Rita Ora shines on stage as Manchester Pride 2024 returns for second day of defiance and partying

As the sea of revellers taking part in this year’s Manchester Pride 2024 parade make their way down the city centre wearing a dazzling assortment of outfits, there is one small group of individuals outside of the barrier trying to disrupt proceedings.

But rather than letting the individuals on Peter Street dampen spirits of the parade as they attempt to wax lyrical about sinful behaviour, a defiant message rings out across the streets from the 17,000 people in attendance that they will not be silenced.

Instead, a parade of car honks, vuvuzelas and cheers - all sound-tracked by the likes of the Spice Girls, Girls Aloud and Lady Gaga - drown out the noise with a vibrant celebration of joy and unity. It’s appropriately fitting with the parade’s ‘Buzzin to be Queer’ theme, inspired by the spirit of the Worker Bee, and encapsulates the soul of Manchester.

READ MORE: 40 of the best dressed at Manchester Pride 2024 so far

Officially the biggest Parade to take part in Manchester Pride’s history - with more than 260 organisations, corporations, clubs and charities all taking part, the slight appearance of rain also fails to ruin the vibe of the event.

Elsewhere, in the city centre, protesters upset with Booking.com, one of the main sponsors of the event, gathered to march from Sackville Gardens to Cheetham Hill over the company's allegations that it is ‘directly profiting’ from the conflict between the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

It was reported by knowledge and research organisation SOMO that the accommodation platform had 51 listings on its website located within Occupied Palestinian Territory between March 2021 and May 15, 2023. Their involvement saw acts like Ginger Johnson and Bimini pull out weeks before the event.

Throughout the afternoon, the Gay Village continued the weekend’s spirit with an assortment of colourful outfits, inspired costumes and bedazzling numbers all making an appearance as people visited the many bars across Canal Street. From everything to cowboy-inspired fits incorporating boots, short shorts and straps to Brat Summer-inspired outfits.

The three main stages, meanwhile, played host to a series of takeovers - namely Black Pride MCR on the Festival Stage, hosted by Rikki Beadle-Blair and Ghetto Fabulous’ Darren Pritchard, as well as the Queer Asian Takeover, hosted by House of Spice’s Lucky Roy Singh, on the Alan Turing Stage.

When it came to the evening's entertainment, it was down to Katy B, special guest Rita Ora, and Loreen to bring a continuation of the party vibes from last night's opening line-up from Gok Wan and Jessie J.

A special shout-out to Ghetto Fabulous once again is deserved too, who continued to keep things lively throughout the evening with dance battles and showcases of some of the best queer, Black talent that Manchester and beyond has to offer.