Photos of this year's Manchester Pride 2005 are also available.

Manchester Pride 2004 festival was a ten day event celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life. It attracted over 250,000 people to Manchester, culminating in the Big Weekend, the highlight of which was the Manchester Pride 2004 Parade through the streets of Manchester. 60 wonderfully decorated floats took part. Everyone was cheering and joining in the carnival atmosphere.

As is now tradition, Manchester Parents Group had a float in the parade. We wore funky blue wigs and giant star shaped sunglasses to compliment our theme "Stars in our Eyes".
We've got a movie and three pages of photos of us and the rest of the Manchester Pride 2004 parade.

Photos of Manchester Pride 2004

We at Manchester Parents Group work on an entirely voluntary basis and give our time freely and willingly. It is hard work and sometimes the going gets tough. The following experience of one of our parents at Manchester Pride should help us to re charge our batteries

From Christine Holt (Manchester Parents Group):

Bank Holiday Monday 2004 and I was standing on the road bridge overlooking Canal Street watching the crowds of people below.

"Seems busy. What’s going on down there?" asked a man close by.

I explained that this was Canal Street, the heart of the Gay village: that it was Manchester Gay Pride weekend: that there had been a carnival procession on Saturday: that events with a gay theme had been taking place over several days.

"You seem to know a lot about it" he commented

"So I should," I replied, my son is Gay"

Sensing the man's interest I proceeded to tell him, as briefly as possible, about Manchester Parents Group and FFLAG’s connection with Pride: about our float with is caption "Our Children are our Stars": about a display of information in the village which underlines the support we give to gay people their parents, families and friends

My companion was then joined by a young lady. As they walked away, he called back - "You are an inspiration" Taken aback, I thanked him, adding - "You are very kind"

I accepted those words and pass them on as a compliment to each one of us. Such encouragement, from a stranger who had not even sought our affirmation or support, re-enforces, for me, that the work of parents groups, telephone contacts and FFLAG generally is so worthwhile.

Remember then, when the going gets tough, to one person, at least, "You are an inspiration"