Nothing to do with Pride but something to get James’s adrenalin going – parked next to the boat one morning!
On Friday afternoon at 5 o’ clock we gathered on Andy and Rich’s boat “Carpe Diem” to enjoy Champagne and canapés. Such great hosts both of you – thank you.
Doug and Les with a little Champagne inside – they make a lovely couple.
On Saturday morning, with the Pride parade just a few hours away it was our turn to host morning coffee and cakes. We were pleased that Les and Chris’s friends Ian and Cheryl from nb “Wine Down” joined us for the day.
The Pride parade started spot on 1 o’ clock with Sir Ian McKellan leading it this year. A marvellous sport and great ambassador.
The gods looked kindly upon us and the sun shone all afternoon.
Soon on the scene was the Coronation Street float with actors Daniel Brocklebank and Jenny McAlpine on our side of the street.
There are bodies that require to be clothed and those that do not.
The police turn out was tremendous and got, as usual, a deafening appreciation from the crowd.
The Fire Brigade was not far behind with their prized pink tender. Like all the services which were represented, they too got a brilliant reception.
The Sharks swimming club like to be kitted out well.
Many churches took part – but their was little silence for the Quakers to do it that afternoon.
The Spartan rugby club ……
….. ‘tried’ hard. A great turn out.
Our personal photographer Chris was in prime position to get the ‘official’ shots.
The piped band of the Gay Gordons Scottish country dance group virtually drowned out the noise of the crowds – and good on ‘em.
The individual entries were stupendous as always …….
….. and someone who was very happy to take his shirt off for a photo shot!
James found a new friend that afternoon …………
….. and the Fire Brigade brought their tender that gets to the places that other tenders can’t reach.
This is Deansgate and the rest of the city centre was no different.
Clothing was optional of course – as always …..
….. and the Outdoor Lads were out.
A Transformer perhaps?
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence need to be around to keep control
Some entries were a spectacular work of art.
A Golden Boy from Oscars Piano bar …..
…. followed by the not-so-golden boys!
There was a lot of flesh on display but maybe it was just built for display purposes!
Fujitsu honoured the Pride Hero Alan Turing. A man without who’s brilliance we may not have won the Second World War was, because of his sexuality, treated despicably by the government afterwards. There is a bronze statue in remembrance of Alan and his contribution to the war effort in Rembrandt Gardens next to Canal Street in Manchester. Alan Turing took his own life in 1954.
A couple more individual contributions.
After the parade it was to Canal Street that thousands of us went to continue Manchester’s celebration of diversity – and it was there that we could get close up to some of the marvellous “creations” by many celebrants. This guy had a dashing pink tutu which James unfortunately didn’t get in the shot.
The party continued on the roof terrace of G-A-Y in Canal Street – Cheryl, Doug, Andy, James, Chris, Rich and Les. Ian behind the camera.
As the afternoon became evening there was nowhere free of happy people. It was another spectacular parade for Manchester Pride and the weekend will continue with thousands of people enjoying and celebrating diversity, individuality and culture. Bring it on!
