The Importance of Proud Fest
Manchester Pride weekend is nearly here, and I’m feeling excited, reflective, and just a little tired at the thought of keeping up with my children. Pride has changed for me over the years. It’s no longer an excuse to party with my mates (though if someone offers me a drink, it would be rude to say no). Now, it’s a celebration of my family, the friendships we’ve made, and how far our community has come. At the same time, Pride’s roots as a protest feel just as important as ever. With the current political climate and worrying rollbacks on rights affecting LGBT+ families, it’s a reminder that we need to keep raising our voices, celebrating our identities, and supporting each other.
One of the things I’m most looking forward to this year is our very first Proud Fest. Families have been asking for a festival like this for ages, and when we realised Manchester Pride wouldn’t be offering a family-friendly space this year, we knew we had to create one ourselves. Thanks to our brilliant friends at Great Northern, who have always been amazing allies, Proud Fest has been pulled together quickly to give families a day full of fun, connection, and celebration.
I can already see the children running around, full of energy, digging in the sand pit, bouncing on castles, and sneaking cheeky cuddles with Pride-themed Mickey and Minnie mascots. Last year we spent Pride being followed by Newsround cameras, and the kids were thrilled knowing their friends would be watching and people across the country would be seeing their family — two mums, chaos, and all. This year, we’ll enjoy all the magic minus the cameras, which is a relief for me — finally I can enjoy the fun without worrying about being filmed tripping up and face planting on the ground.
There’s so much planned for Proud Fest. We’ve got market and information stalls, live performances from Aida H Dee Drag Story Hour, Ghetto Fabulous, Polly n Olly, and Cequin Circus, plus thoughtful touches for families like baby feeding and changing areas, hydration stations, picnic spots, a pram store, and even a lost child tent (apparently I’m not allowed to deliberately lose my children there). It’s going to be a day where children get the chance to play and interact with families like theirs, and parents and carers can connect with people who truly understand.
Of course, there’s the Pride march too. I love seeing our children walking along, hands held tight, cheeks rosy, waving to everyone they pass, maybe breaking into a little dance, or stopping to give high-fives. And for families who can’t join in for whatever reason, we’ve teamed up with Great Northern to offer a safe viewing space away from the noise and crowds, so everyone can feel part of the celebration without the risk of being trampled by a sea of rainbows.
My family has been part of Proud 2 B Parents for over 11 years. Looking back at all the play sessions, craft afternoons, plus the holidays, and little adventures we’ve shared with other families, I realise the memories we’ve made are priceless. Events like Proud Fest matter because they give children the chance to play, interact, and feel seen, reduce isolation for parents, and help everyone feel connected to a community that truly understands them.
This weekend, Pride is about love, family, and resilience, but also about standing up for what’s right. Love binds our families together, helps us support each other through challenging times, and shows our children they belong exactly as they are. The protest roots of Pride remind us that we must keep fighting for equality, visibility, and inclusion — and that every little wave, cheer, and smile matters, even if it’s accompanied by a sticky handprint on your jacket.
I can’t wait for the laughter, the adventures, and the magical moments that make our community so special. Come along, enjoy the activities, soak up the atmosphere, and say hello if you see me. I’ll be around all day, sharing in the joy, the lighthearted chaos, and those little moments that make Pride so much more than just a march.
And if you see me at the end of the day, collapsed on a picnic blanket, shoes off, rainbow face paint smeared, just know I’ve had a brilliant time — probably need a drink, definitely need a nap, but absolutely worth every second.
By Catherine Treagus- Mullan
Chair of Trustees of Proud 2 b Parents
