Tuesday 1 September 2015

Post Parade Pride

Respect plays an enormous part in the enjoyment of life in general and we’ve found it non more so than at Manchester Pride. For one weekend in the year thousands of people have the chance to experience humanity at it’s best and most diverse.

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Very happy to share a moment of his private time, actor Daniel Brocklebank with James.

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We met up with many friends during the weekend (and made some new ones) – here’s two wonderful reprobates who we’re proud to call friends, Olly and Justin.

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As already said – Diversity is the order of the day at Manchester Pride.

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Bank Holiday Monday was a big day for us. It was James’ birthday and our 3rd wedding anniversary. We’d like to say  a big “Thank you” to everyone for all their good wishes for both. Before our little group ‘hit the village’ for the last time we gathered on board “Chance” for a Champagne celebration.

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It was ‘Bottoms Up’ for Rich, Andy, James, Doug, Les, Cherryl and Ian. Our own press photographer, Chris, was behind his very large camera for many of this weekend’s shots

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James was surprised with a birthday cake before we all left for the last evening of pride for this year.

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At 9 o’ clock we joined the thousands of other people for the Candlelight Vigil in Rembrandt Gardens. For an hour we remembered those who have been affected by HIV and all those who have fought for justice. Sir Ian McKellan was prominent in leading the vigil with his address and poetry readings ……..

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…….. and by leading the candlelit remembrance with a minute’s silence.

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Two thirds of this huge crowd were behind us – it’s a very popular event.

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After the vigil the weekend’s celebrations ended with a grand firework display.

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The gods certainly looked down kindly on us – the afternoon had been very wet but the rain stopped for the evening …….

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…… and allowed us to enjoy the vigil and fireworks in the dry.

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As we left the park many of us placed our lit candles around the bronze statue of the wartime code breaking hero Alan Turing in remembrance of his invaluable contribution to all our freedom.

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With candles replaced by drinks we retired to Via in Canal Street for a final group ‘moment’ - Rich, Les, Andy, Doug, James, Cherryl and Ian (the ever suffering Chris behind the camera again!)

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Oh here’s Chris in the picture at last!

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Huge numbers of shops and businesses in the city made efforts to support Pride by various Rainbow displays – not least the city council who flood lit the town hall.

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And finally, an oasis of night time calm in Castlefield Basin amid the frenzy of the city. We’ve spent the last 10 days here - where has the time gone?

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