Pride in Trafford: Full list of events and activities at four-day festival celebrating LGBTQ+ community

One of the biggest events on the busy Trafford social calendar is almost here, and a full list of events has been announced. Pride in Trafford 2024 will see events, workshops and other activities take place across the borough over four days. 

Most of the events take place in and around Trafford’s leading arts venue, Waterside in Sale. A new event for 2024 is a special Block Party Weekender, designed to unite the people in attendance. 

Kicking off on May 15, Pride in Trafford will see a wide range of events take place across the week, coming to a close on Saturday May 18. All of the events planned for Pride in Trafford can be found below, with all the information provided by organisers.  

Pride in Trafford 2024 Listings

Wednesday May 15 

Official Festival Launch- 11am- Free- 20 minutes- Waterside Plaza, Sale 

To mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, and the opening of the Pride in Trafford 2024 festivities, join us for speeches and song as we raise the Pride Flag at Sale Town Hall with the Chief Executive of Trafford Council.

Youth Pride- 4.30pm – 6.30pm- age 13-19- Gorse Hill Studios, Cavendish Road, Stretford M32 0PS 

Gorse Hill Studios and Rainbow Reflections will facilitate creative activities with focus on youth voice, engaging in discussions, expressing themselves through various art forms which young people have created.

The Queer Creatives Assembly- 6pm-7pm- Free- Lauriston Gallery

A chance to connect, collaborate, and celebrate with LGBTQ+ creatives from Greater Manchester at this brand-new gathering.

Whether you're an artist, writer, theatre-maker, designer, or anyone with a passion for creativity, you’ll be welcomed in a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.  Expect vibrant conversations, meaningful connections, and a chance to network and hear from Queer artists and creatives supported through Creative Industries Trafford. Pre-registration required – prideintrafford.org/assembly.

Making Waves: A Celebration of New Queer Work- 7.30pm- 9pm- £12 / £10- Robert Bolt Theatre

An opportunity to watch four brand new works by LGBTQ+ artists in Greater Manchester in partnership with Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts & Culture Network, delivered by LGBT Foundation.

Susan Kerr’s We See Each Other Better with Our Eyes Closed explores being an older Black lesbian in the queer community and love in all its messy complexity Trans artist and Drag King Hunter Millington explores themes of dysphoria, joy and discovering your authentic self in their new campy country musical for trans equality. They will be joined by Laurie Williams and Reece Bennett - our most recent commissionees, awarded the Pride Stages bursary.

Thursday May 16 

Laugh Riot: Pride in Trafford- 8pm- £16- Robert Bolt Theatre

An evening of the very best in alternative comedy featuring: multi-award nominated comedian, presenter, actor and writer Stephen Bailey, whose indecorous brand of gossipy humour has singled him out as one of the UK’s most sought-after talents; comic and improviser Kate McCabe; and Jonathan Mayor - a huge cult figure in comedy, with award winning writer, stand up and TV & Radio regular Katie Mulgrew as MC.

Block Party Weekender- 8pm until late- £15 (£18 on the door)- Cocoa Butter Club

A celebration of inclusivity and unity, join us for our sensational Block Party Weekender. Across the weekend, there’ll be live performances, family activities and more. Our vibrant theatre space will be transformed into a Ballroom, hosting The Cocoa Butter Club, DJs, cabaret and more.

Friday May 17

Block Party Friday- The Cocoa Butter Club + DJ, Workshop, Short Films & Chillout Space- 8pm until late

Step into the electrifying atmosphere of the Ballroom as we proudly present a night like no other, celebrating the vibrant talents and undeniable charisma of BIPOC performers. Led by the esteemed and trailblazing Sadie Sinner, founder of The Cocoa Butter Club, prepare for an unforgettable and unapologetic celebration of diversity. An evening where the spotlight shines on the richness of BIPOC culture and creativity and every artist act is a testament to the power and beauty of diversity.

Saturday May 18

Block Party Family Edition- 12pm-4pm- Free- Waterside Plaza

Get ready for an exciting free outdoor edition of the Block Party Weekender on Waterside Plaza, featuring specially curated activities for children and young people and their families.

Family Catwalk Extravaganza- 12.30pm and 3pm- Waterside Plaza

Bring your Glamour, Glitz and Grace and come together in a fabulous celebration of self-expression.  Four dancers go head to head in a dance, fashion and lip sync competition in an interactive event where the audience decides the winner.  

Whether you just want to join in the fun or have a passion to pose, come along and show off your own magnificence by dressing up and helping crown the winner!

Dress your finest, learn the moves – then take to the floor…

Want to learn the moves? There will be an audience workshop 15 mins before the show for those who want to strut their stuff!

Mini Pride- ages 3 to 7 with families- Sale Library 

The brilliant Curious Arts will again take over Sale Library Atrium for Mini Pride, a joyous celebration of individuality and creativity!

Ignite your imagination by taking part in fun activities from colourful arts and crafts to inclusive story times with our Curious Artists. 

A chance to connect with and find out more from community groups, charities and organisations who are working with and supporting the LGBTQ+ communities in and around Trafford.