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.jpg "Image") As we fast approach the height of summer it comes to that time of year again in the LGBT calendar when we get to lose those tops, slap on the sparkle, raise a rainbow flag and join in with all the fun of Gay Pride! In most major cities across the world there will be Pride events throughout the year and nowhere is this more true than in the UK. What with the success of Europride in London last year and the ongoing success of Mardi Gras in Notting Hill not to mention Soho Pride as well, here in Britain we know how to put together a Pride event! By far one of the most popular Pride destinations in the UK though is Manchester and this year the GYC shall be there again to cover the event and party throughout the big weekend with all of the other revellers out for a good time!
Manchester Pride is a 10 day event running from the 17th to the 27th of August, culminating in the Big Weekend which takes place from the 24th to the 27th of August. The Big Weekend promises to be 'one of the most exciting and inclusive ever, providing a truly exhilarating, inspirational, and above all, meaningful celebration of Manchester's diverse and colourful LGBT life'. Tickets for the Big Weekend go on sale on 1st May 2007 when they will cost a mere £10 (+ booking fee) however, this offer is limited and from the 16th July all tickets will be £15. You get exclusive access to the Manchester Pride arena which takes in the whole of the Gay Village in Manchester, meaning you can stroll from the bars of Canal St, to the main stage arena via the Gay Markets without having to leave the enclosed festival area. All of Manchester's gay bars and clubs will be running special events, drinks promotions and club nights to keep the party swinging, however, there is plenty on offer for those not interested in the drinking or indeed not old enough to party into the small hours. There will be three days of music taking in commercial dance and pop as well as alternative more indie offerings from big names. Last year Jamelia headlined and this year we are promised somebody bigger and better, so watch this space! Pride also manages to pack in exciting talks from gay men and women in the public eye willing to shed some light on current gay rights campaigns as well as promoting healthy attitudes towards sexuality. This year, Peter Tatchell, one of the most prominent gay rights campaigners will be giving a talk on 'What are our fears and our weaknesses as a community'. So whether you simply want to get lost in the crowds or get more involved with cutting edge debates on all elements of LGBT life, Manchester Pride is the place to be! Always a really poignant close to the Big Weekend is the Candlelit Vigil, where Manchester Pride invites those at the Big Weekend to remember those who are living with and those who have lost their lives to HIV, even with awful rain last year the spirits of those present were not dampened and it really was a moving event. Finally, the profits from Manchester Pride, which has this year become a fully fledged charitable organisation, go to LGBT and HIV organisations struggling to do good work in the gay community. Over the past four years almost £300,000 has been raised to support those organisations helping members of the gay community as well as a further £200,000 raised to keep the free condoms in gay bars in Manchester free as well as helping those with HIV who are in dire need. So, this years Manchester Pride is set to be one big party with plenty of really fascinating events representing the true diversity of LGBT life. Join the GYC in supporting this great event and we'll hope to see you around the festival site! Are you interested in covering a Pride event close to you? If so, the GYC would love to hear from you. This year we want to represent as many of the Pride events around the world as possible and would love to have as many of you as possible reporting on behalf of the GYC.com. Should you want to turn your hand at some LGBT journalism them let us know by emailing Rob at
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kewl article nor am i 'out' its good to support somthing you belive in keep it the pride boys! 
