Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen has been unveiled as the Grand Marshal for this year’s Manchester Pride and will lead the free city centre parade.
Sir Ian, known for roles in blockbusters such as ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘X-Men’, will head up the 2015 parade on Saturday August 29. This year’s theme is Devotion and about 2,500 participants from across Greater Manchester are expected to join in with the procession.
The free parade will take a new route this year – setting off from Liverpool Road down Deansgate, turning up Peter Street, then leading onto Oxford Street, Portland Street and Princess Street. It will then enter Whitworth Street before ending in the Village on Fairfield Street.
Mark Fletcher, chief executive of Manchester Pride, says: 'Sir Ian is a genuine inspiration for the global LGBT community, not only for his status as one of the world’s most acclaimed actors but also for his unwavering dedication to campaigning for LGBT rights.'
The parade is part of the wider Manchester Pride Festival, which will feature performances from acts including Texas, Union J, DJ Fresh, Lucy Spraggan, Heather Peace and the Shane Ritchie Band.
Manchester Pride Big Weekend, Friday August 28 - Monday August 31. Weekend tickets £25, day tickets £15 and children’s tickets from £5.
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