Manchester Pride kick starts its 18th birthday celebrations this weekend with a whole host of events taking place across the city.

My First Pride, an exhibition that documents over 18 years of ‘first timers’ at Pride is being held at Urbis; Military Pride, a display of how war has affected LGBT lives, held at Imperial War Museum North; and The Lost Dresses of Travilla - an exhibition of dresses by William Travilla, held at the Palace Hotel.

Festival goers can also explore over 200 years of lesbian and gay history with the Out in the Past Heritage Trail (22nd and 24th August) starting at Manchester’s Tourist Information Centre.

Other events taking place include: the Pink Dog Show- the best dressed dog in pink, Manchester Village Cheerleading- a workshop of cheerleading moves, Prairie Dogs line dancers, inside out poetry with a collection of poets, Pride detox- self development sessions, a fantastic roller disco night- Gay City Rollers and The Speed of Dating - a fabulous comedy play by Sarah Evans.

Jackie Crozier, festival manager of Manchester Pride, said: “I’m so pleased with the diverse range of events on offer this year. Manchester Pride is more than just the Big Weekend- it is a cultural event that ticks every box. There really is something for everyone and I’m more than confident that the events will be a great success across the board.”

For more information about the ten day listings check out www.manchesterpride.com