6 tips for Pride Virgins.

6 Must Do Things for Manchester Pride 'Virgins' - The Big Weekend!

1) Plan ahead - buy your weekend ticket in advance and also think about any club nights you might want to get too (Clone Zone is a great place to buy nightclub tickets from). It's so much easier knowing that you've bought them and can avoid queues

2) The Parade - find a spot on the route and soak up the atmosphere. This is usually where the first buzz of excitement kicks in as you hear the whistles and cheers and see the floats come past.

3) Get around the Village - visit as many existing bars and the pop-ups and talk to people. Remember everyone is here for a good time - so have one! Places will be busy and buzzing - that's all part of the fantastic atmosphere.

4) The Main Stage - make sure you look at the flyers (you usually get them with your wristband) and plan who you want to see. Popular acts definitely draw the crowds and the car park does have a maximum capacity. Even if it does fill up there are plenty of places to listen and enjoy around the site though. But if you are desperate to get close to your favourite act, get there early!

5) The Lifestyle Expo and Stalls - there will come a point in the weekend where you just need to take it down a notch. The Lifestyle Expo is where loads of different community and support groups have a presence - it's always really friendly and a great place to sign up for new activities. The market stalls are always good for an eclectic browse - buy some fudge, a rainbow candle and a leather harness - you don't get that in the Arndale!

6) The Candlelight Vigil - for many the most important part of the Big Weekend, as we remember those people who we've lost. It's a quiet, respectful point to celebrate those lives and to mark the end of another Pride year. Everyone comes together and you get the sense of support and community that we are all about.

Special thanks to Tooti LaRue

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Published: 15-Aug-2013: (2028)