Welcome to Manchester Pride

"Greater Manchester is known around the UK and across the world as a place many lesbian, gay, bi and trans people are proud to call home – and where all LGBT are welcomed.

"As thousands arrive for Manchester Pride this weekend, we can celebrate how far we have come, but also reflect on what still needs to be done to tackle discrimination, and take action to build a fair and equal society for all.

"I’m proud that we’re the first city-region in the country to appoint an LGBT Adviser, and I am looking forward to working alongside Carl Austin-Behan, and the panel he has assembled, to tackle those inequalities and ensure that all LGBT people feel included, valued and safe.

"And that’s appropriate. This is the city of Alan Turing, this is the city where the UK’s LGBT rights movement began, and this is a city that sends a message of hope to LGBT people across the world. "

"Have a great Pride."