A pride event which started in a Salford man’s back garden is set to return for its second year after its inaugural success.
It follows the successful first year of the event earlier this year, which saw £2,167.53 raised for the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT), a charity supporting LGBTQ+ youth who are facing homelessness or hostile environments.
The theme has been announced as “80’s vs 90’s” following a public vote, and is promised to be “pure nostalgia with a side of glitter and shoulder pads.”
Event organiser Ian Carberry, who first launched the event from his back garden in Weaste, said: “We will celebrating the LGBT+ icons of the 80s and 90s, with DJs spinning everything from Madonna and Kylie to Whitney, Britney and a bit of Take That for good measure.”
He said that attendees can expect “plenty of sequins, feel-good anthems, and big voices,” from the 2026 event.
Ian said that they’re “planning to go even bigger” with prizes, tribute acts and live performances.
The charity raffle will also be returning, with Jak’s World chosen as Weaste Pride’s chosen charity.
Ian said: “The work they do for young people’s mental health is nothing short of incredible offering a safe space, real support, and a listening ear when it’s needed most.
“Mental health affects so many in our community, especially young people trying to find their place in the world, and Jak’s World are out there making a real difference every single day.”
Prizes donated last year saw a signed Manchester United football, train tickets, Botox, and a Seven Brothers brewery tour given out, amongst many others.
Ian said that the 2025 event received a lot of positive feedback from attendees.
“People told us they loved that it felt like true community pride fun, friendly and down-to-earth, without any of the big corporate gloss,” he said.
“A lot of people said it reminded them of how Pride used to feel years ago, proper inclusive and full of joy.
“We even had messages from people saying it was their first Pride ever, and that it made them feel safe and seen, which was honestly quite emotional.”
Drag queen Tina Tuna is set to host the event, with performances from Dawn Spry, a Madonna & Kylie tribute act, and Phil Kinsella, a Freddie Mercury tribute act.
Tina, who was the closing act at this year’s event, said: “As soon as I finished, I was like, ‘next year I’m hosting. You’re not getting a choice. I want to be here all day.
“I always find the people in Salford are just the most down-to-earth community-driven people.
“People in Salford look out for each other, and I like that, I think that’s what pride is all about.
“There was people from all walks of life, different ages, backgrounds, different sexualities, but everyone came together.”
Ian said that preparation for next year’s event has already begun, with plans to open the doors to Grit Studios, who will be displaying artwork from local artists.
Weaste Pride will be held again at the Weaste & Seedley Social Club on Saturday, July 11 and is free to attend.
Ian said: “It’s important that the venue is our local social club, as with a lot of pubs and clubs struggling at the moment, big events like this help to keep them open and available for the community.”
“Not everyone can afford to travel or pay for big-ticket events.
“Having a Pride right here in Weaste that’s free and open to everyone really matters. In short, it’s going to be camp, colourful and completely unapologetic.”
Ian is “counting down the days” until Weaste Pride returns.
More information about next year’s event can be found on Weaste Pride’s Facebook page here.
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