Manchester Pride's Big Weekend kicks off tomorrow

Manchester Pride's "Big Weekend" begins tomorrow. Events will continue until Monday night, when a candlelit vigil will bring the 10-day festival to a close.

Tomorrow will see performances from headline acts including Kelis, Chicane, Beverley Knight and Belinda Carlisle.

The famous 20th annual Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. and featuring floats from Manchester Airport and Coronation Street, which is celebrating its 50th year on television.

Sir Ian McKellen will be this year’s official Grand Marshal for the parade. The parade celebrates the LGBT community in Greater Manchester and raises awareness of the issues around HIV.

The festival will end on Monday night with the candlelight Vigil, which will take place in Sackville Park.

Jackie Crozier, festival director of Manchester Pride said: "I can’t believe that Manchester Pride 2010 is officially upon us. We have so much going on this year, from our new 'Welcome to my World' exhibition to Kelis performing on the Main Stage. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Pride."