Organisers of the UK’s leading Pride event, Manchester Pride, have today confirmed tickets are on sale from 01 May for the Big Weekend festival.

Visitors are expected to descend on Manchester for the August bank holiday weekend in the tens of thousands, for what has become one of the most successful LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) celebrations in the UK.

The Big Weekend runs from 24 – 27 August and ticket prices have been frozen with Early Bird weekend tickets costing £15. Headline artists will be confirmed closer to the event. Past performers have included: Kelis, Alexandra Burke, Pixie Lott, Little Boots, Patrick Wolf, Human League, Roisin Murphy and Gossip.

John Stewart, Chief Executive of Manchester said “We are delighted to be working again with G-A-Y to deliver some of the headline artists as part of the Big Weekend programme. Last year artists such as Alexandra Burke and the Sugababes were presented in association with G-A-Y.”

The festival raises vital funds for LGBT and HIV charities and community groups in Greater Manchester. Last year, the charity distributed £105,000 to projects including the Albert Kennedy Purple Door scheme, which aims to provide emergency housing for young LGBT people. Along with larger projects, the charity also provides grants for small organisations and groups, such as Transforum, Queer Youth Network and the Lesbian Community Project.

Antony Cotton, Manchester Pride Patron said: “Manchester Pride is more than just a fun-filled weekend and is one of the only Pride events in the country to consistently raise large amounts of money for HIV and LGBT charities. I would like to remind all Pride-goers that your money makes a huge difference to the local LGBT community. Have a great Pride”

In addition to the Big Weekend, Pride Fringe runs from 17 - 23 August and is headlined by camp chanteuse, Margarita Pracatan, with her UK premiere of ‘Stranger in the Night’. Performances take place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 August.

Tickets for the Big Weekend are available from www.manchesterpride.com or by calling 0871 230 3450. Tickets are subject to booking fees.

Further information on the festival can be found on twitter @manchesterpride