Manchester’s Gayfest, now in its second year, took place over one of the hottest bank holidays we’ve seen for sometime.
Thousand of gay people travelled from London and across the UK to Britain’s second largest gay capital for a weekend of boozy fun and non stop partying. They definitely were not disappointed – and the sun was a welcome bonus. It isn’t often you can boast you got your tan in Manchester!
Saturday saw the biggest Gay parade ever to take place in the UK and the police estimate that over 400,000 people watched as floats – from Customs and Excise to raunchy saunas - brought the city to a stand still.
The atmosphere in Canal Street was fantastic, particularly as many of the straights were happily amused in the car park watching cheap drag acts. Saturday also saw Carl Austin (from Manchester) crowned as Mr Gay UK.
Sunday was a far more subdued affair as everyone emerged a little worse for wear from all night parties. The good weather and friendly atmosphere also meant that straight families entered into the celebrations. Or, as one mother remarked to her kids, to “watch the
pretty gay boys dance”.
The strong police presence meant that the traditional trouble and fights were less obvious this year. But unfortunately there were still gangs of straight lads pushing through the crowds hoping to have a fight with a poof or two.
The candlelit vigil took place on Sunday evening and again was a well attended and dignified affair.
But later in the evening Canal Street was almost 70% straight and it had lost that magic ‘gayfest’ atmosphere. Many lesbians and gays had gone off to the 10,000 capacity PinkWorks party – those that remained took shelter in bars, like the Hollywood show bar, that have a ‘Gay Only’ policy.
Despite many difficulties Gayfest has survived and managed to put on a great weekend, whilst raising a considerable amount of money for the community.
Gayfest has also managed to keep the event as gay as possible, although there does seem to be a particular phenomenon in Manchester where straight people are fascinated by the gay community. Although they paid their £1 entrance fee to the bars like everyone else (raising over £100,000 for gay charities) many seemed to treat it as a freak show or opportunity to cause trouble rather than as an opportunity to meet like-minded people out for a good time.
Although there is an understandable desire to make it bigger and better
every year, the reason Gayfest has worked so much better than previous events is because it is simple, fun and gay.
It is essentially a great parade with a fantastic street party. Add to the mix a couple of good clubs and cheap beer thrown in and at the end of the day you’ve got what we really, really want.