Ian McKellen

Lord of the Rings star, Sir Ian McKellen will be this year’s official Grand Marshal for the 20th annual Manchester Pride Parade, to be held this Saturday (August 28, 1pm).

A Grand Marshal is a distinguished individual honoured with leading the parade. Last year’s Grand Marshal was human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell.

This year’s parade has adopted a "through the decades" theme.

Jackie Crozier, festival director of Manchester Pride, said:
“Every Parade needs a Grand Marshal and I’m absolutely delighted that we have the wonderful Sir Ian McKellen leading the way. The parade always attracts a huge crowd so I would advise everyone to get there early to avoid disappointment.”

With over 100 entries each year, the Manchester Pride Parade is one of the main highlights of the Big Weekend and remains the biggest parade in the city. It celebrates the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in Greater Manchester and raises awareness of the issues around HIV.

For more information visit:
www.manchesterpride.com