Running from Friday 16 August to Thursday 22 August, SCENE will add a week-long extension to Manchester Pride Festival celebrations ahead of the main weekend that includes much-loved events such as the Gay Village Party, Parade, and Candlelit Vigil.
Celebrating the magic of LGBTQ+ Film and TV, SCENE is a Manchester Pride Festival official partner event and will feature screenings of beloved classics, recent queer content, and exclusive premieres of new series, features, and shorts. The festival lineup will include Q&As, interviews, special guests, and captivating performances.
Kumar Mishra, Chair of the Manchester Accommodation BID, said: “Manchester Pride Festival’s annual celebrations are a testament to our city’s unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. Pride not only enriches our cultural landscape, but also serves as a powerful economic driver, attracting visitors from around the world and showcasing Manchester as a must-visit destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers.
“The Manchester Accommodation BID is proud to play a part in helping to expand Manchester Pride Festival going forward with the launch of SCENE Manchester LGBTQIA+ Film and TV Festival. Alongside Superbia, the festival will add another important cultural aspect to our annual Pride celebration, but once established, we hope becomes a great reason in itself for LGBTQIA+ visitors to extend their trips to Manchester throughout August.”
Screenings are planned to take place in spaces throughout the city including iconic venues, outdoor screens, traditional cinemas, and pop-up spaces like HOME and The People’s History Museum.
The weeklong event will begin with an exclusive opening night featuring a Q&A panel and screening with the acclaimed Queer As Folk writer and creator Russell T Davies and executive producer Nicola Shindler. Other highlights include a special screening of BBC hit drama, Lost Boys & Faries followed by a Q&A with stars of the series; HOME will honour the legendary John Waters with screenings of Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble and more; and there will be a special northern screening of The Lesbian Bar Project: FLINTA.
Head of Events at CityCo (producer of SCENE), Gary Williams, said: “We are excited to bring this celebration of LGBTQ+ Film & TV to Manchester as part of Manchester Pride’s festivities. SCENE promises a week of solidarity, diversity, and enjoyment. LGBTQIA+ representation on screen allows us to share our stories, break down barriers, and grow our community. We can’t wait to champion queer content and celebrate together this summer.”
All events at SCENE are £15 or under with many being £5 or free, including a free outdoor screen on First Street.
SCENE will be donating ticket profits to Manchester Pride Charity and ticket partner Skiddle will also donate the booking fee for any events booked through their site meaning attendees are directly supporting work in the LGBTQ+ community in the city.
Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, added: “As the programme for Manchester Pride Festival expands, we’re pleased to welcome this fresh, new event. There are many different ways that LGBTQ+ people like to celebrate Pride. And, having consulted with our communities we recognise the potential for this exciting showcase and celebration of LGBTQ+ Film & TV and the incredible talent involved in the creation of these important stories.”
Follow SCENE online for future news on the festival programme and booking information.
Website: scenefestival.com
Instagram: instagram.com/scene_festival
Twitter: x.com/SCENE_Festival
Facebook: facebook.com/SCENEFestival
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Manchester Accommodation BID Communications Team
Email: press@manchesterabid.com
