A "six-day explosion of queer power" - Manchester Pride at Escape to Freight Island

Freight Island have announced the programming in support of Manchester Pride this Bank Holiday...

By Manchester's Finest | 9 August 2021

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Escape to Freight Island has announced its programming to support Manchester Pride along with other UK-based LGBTQ+ charities, which will take place at the action-packed venue from Wednesday 25th August until Monday 30th August featuring a series of free and ticketed events.

Escape to Freight Island will be hosting an LGBTQ+ takeover with a range of music and live performances to coincide with the annual Manchester Pride Festival over August Bank Holiday weekend.

The six-day explosion of queer power – and all the usual affairs in true Freight Island style will raise essential funds for Manchester Pride, one of the leading LGBTQ+ charities in the UK.

Kicking off early in the week, on Wednesday, is the Northern party starters pushing for love and inclusivity via UK dancefloors, High Hoops. Expect world disco to psychedelic house, acid to electro jams and everything in between.

Alongside this, is the screening of Paris Is Burning (1990) – an acclaimed documentary celebrating the New York’s drag scene in the 1980s, focusing on balls, voguing and their house culture. Complete with live performances from House of Ghetto, a dance and visual arts collective that grew from the UK Vogue Ball scene – which will feature vogue walk, panel and amazing prizes. This Wednesday event is ticketed, proceeds will go to Albert Kennedy Trust and Rainbow Noir.

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Thursday’s free event will see the launch of Club Orchestra series at Escape to Freight Island, presenting Pride – the show will feature anthems and icons with The Niallist and very special guests. Expect the finest of disco and a more diverse sound from lo-fi rock to soundtracks, hip hop and R&B to dub and ambient.

Continuing to Friday and Saturday are a selection of free entertainment – with a Friday takeover from Rebecca Never Becky, a DJ and creative collective showcasing Manchester’s local with a spotlight on up-and-coming and LGBTQ+ talents.

Then on Saturday, So Flute will be taking over the decks to present the best of their hip-hop DJs to join the dots between soul, funk, rap, reggae, and Afrobeat, alongside Katbrownsugar and special guests.

Sunday will see Freight Island’s very own Amuse Bouche featuring DJs, drag and dining from daytime. Joined by the queer soulful social curated and hosted by DJ Mix-Stress & Deb Jump, Queer Latifah, and Manchester’s pop-up party, Good Afternoon.

The night will unveil a special show, Performance is Power, directed by the queer cabaret collective Creatures of Catharsis with House of Ghetto and The Glue, plus very special guest. Donation on the door is encouraged with all proceeds going to Manchester Pride.

Finishing off on the Monday for a Bank Holiday special to end your Pride weekend, is a gathering curated by the Homoelectic crew, Homopicnic. The acclaimed and long-standing club night will present their finest underground talents and bringing back their picnic rave special to Freight Island.

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Bookings in advance encouraged, and walk-ups available for 25th – 30th August.

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