Chorlton Pride returns to St Clement's Church on Saturday 12 September 2026, bringing a free afternoon of live music, drag performance, DJs and community spirit to south Manchester. With Queen Bayard hosting and a fundraising raffle supporting future events, it's shaping up to be a warm, lively celebration with plenty to see.

Essential Takeaways

  • Date and venue: Chorlton Pride takes place on Saturday 12 September 2026 at St Clement's Church.
  • Live entertainment: The programme runs from midday until a 16:45 finale, with music, dancing and circus-style performance.
  • Headliner host: Manchester-based drag artist Queen Bayard returns to lead the live stage.
  • Community fundraising: A 16:35 raffle will help support future free events and the local LGBT+ community.
  • Easy-going atmosphere: Expect a colourful, family-friendly-feeling afternoon centred on local talent and togetherness.

Chorlton Pride 2026 brings a packed afternoon to St Clement's

The strongest reason to put Chorlton Pride 2026 in your diary is its busy, well-paced programme. The event begins at noon with a Pride launch led by Nigel Harrison, followed by Sale Brass and a host introduction from Queen Bayard.

From there, the stage moves through circus performance, acoustic acts, ukulele players, community singing and DJ-led energy. It has the feel of an event designed for dipping in and out, whether you're arriving early for the opening or staying through to the 16:45 finale. Gaycation's event listing also highlights the St Clement's Churchyard setting and the midday start.

Queen Bayard is back to keep the stage sparkling

Queen Bayard will host the live stage once again, bringing a distinctly Manchester mix of drag, music and high-energy performance. She's known for singing live, lip-syncing, dancing and creating the kind of atmosphere that can turn a polite gathering into a proper party.

The host's own pop single, "I Wanna Know You", adds an 80s-inspired touch to the afternoon's soundtrack. For visitors who enjoy a little glamour with their community events, Queen Bayard's return is a particularly appealing part of the line-up. The event information also points audiences towards her website and social channels for updates.

From brass and circus to ukuleles and community singing

The programme keeps changing gear, which should help the afternoon feel lively rather than repetitive. Cequin Circus is scheduled after the host's introduction, followed by Harriet and Rachel, Jo Somerset and Stretford Uke.

Chorlton Sings arrives at 15:00, before Dan and Ash and Wolfy take the stage. That mixture of performers gives the event a pleasingly local character, with community participation sitting alongside more theatrical entertainment. Listings for Pride events across the UK show how these smaller celebrations often thrive on exactly that blend of professional acts, grassroots performers and familiar faces.

What to expect if you're planning your visit

Arriving near the start should make it easier to settle in, find a comfortable viewing spot and catch the opening performances. If you're attending with friends, agreeing a meeting point is sensible, as busy community events can quickly become a cheerful blur of conversation, music and rainbow colours.

It's also worth checking the official Chorlton Pride website before travelling for any last-minute changes, access information or weather-related guidance. Wider 2026 Pride calendars, including those maintained by Rainbow and Co and Manchester Pride, are useful for comparing dates, but the event organiser remains the best source for practical updates.

The raffle will help keep Pride free

At 16:35, Chorlton Pride will hold a raffle to raise funds for future events and help keep the celebration free in the longer term. It will also support the local LGBT+ community, giving visitors a straightforward way to contribute while enjoying the afternoon.

Prize details and winners are due to be announced by the organisers, with donations coming from supporting organisations. That fundraising element matters because free events depend on generous volunteers, local partnerships and reliable community backing. A raffle ticket may be a small purchase, but it can help keep the churchyard stage returning year after year.

Chorlton Pride 2026 looks set to offer the best kind of local celebration: relaxed, welcoming and just theatrical enough to make an ordinary Saturday feel special.

Closing Line

Save the date, bring your best Pride spirit and enjoy an afternoon made for community.

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