Essential Manchester & Morning Glory 2023

Manchester’s biggest gay dance party returns to the city during long bank holiday weekends, special events and pop-up nights.

• Are you visiting Manchester for the party? Stay close to the host venue in Deansgate. The YOTEL Manchester is rated “Fabulous” by guests with a unique design, delicious breakfast options and just steps from the city’s top attractions.

The Party

• Starring THE ESSENTIAL ALL STAR DJs – Thaddeus, Aphrodite, Sharon O Love, Alan Stevens and Joshua Cole. Live PAs from ANGIE BROWN and KITTY SCOTT-CLAUS, featuring the Essential muscle boys, dancers, drag queens and The Sinz! With Mad Pat in The Pop Lounge Toilets and hosted by the one and only MISS CHRISSY DARLING.
• The party kicks off from 10 pm to 4 am. Dance along to a soundtrack of funky, uplifting house with spectacular light shows, muscle boy dancers, drag queens, circus acts, confetti and CO2 cannons!

The Venue

• Albert Hall Manchester – Designed for worship and lovingly restored for cultural celebration, Albert Hall Manchester was initially built as a Wesleyan Chapel.
• Today, huge stained glass windows, ceiling arches and ornate vestibules create a stunning composition of grandeur. When transformed into a club space, the venue has a capacity of more than two thousand guests.
• The Grade II listed building is located on Peter Street adjacent to Deansgate, making it one of the most accessible and central event spaces located in the city.
• For a unique stay, book your room at The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel, rated “Superb” by guests, with a superb pool and spa.

Gay Manchester

Manchester has a thriving LGBT+ scene, centered around the world famous Canal Street – home of “The Village”. Stop by during the festive season and enjoy some cheesy Christmas music, festive themed party nights and a warm and welcoming atmosphere after a day’s shopping in the markets.

Located just south of Chinatown, the village features an eclectic mix of bars, clubs, restaurants and green spaces set alongside a long stretch of the Rochdale Canal. Manchester’s Gay Village has something to suit all tastes. Here’s our shortlist:

• Head to Number 1 Canal Street,http://www.no1canalst.co.uk/  one of the most highly regarded bars in the village, seen by many as the community heart of Canal Street. Its informal drinking and dining atmosphere and appreciation of the arts means that you might get to see a new play or exclusive book reading or art exhibition if you pop by.
• Bar Pop keeps the soundtrack of camp classics and nostalgic favourites coming. .
• G-A-Y is a pop music haven with music video walls and a roof terrace, offering regular drinks promotions to a lively crowd, whilst the gothic interior of  Via is the perfect setting for a few pints of lager while enjoying the bar’s nightly entertainment of drag queens and DJs.
• For a relaxing glass of wine, Tribeca’s  styled interior is a firm favourite, as is the legendary New York New York on Bloom Street – popular for its camp comedy cabaret nights. Cocktails reign supreme at the decadently decorated Oscars piano and showtunes bar, a must for all musical theatre fans.
• The Eagle on Bloom Street entertains Manchester’s gay male clientele with daily happy hours, themed fetish nights and late-night DJs. Nearby  Company Bar also operates a male only door policy and is open late on weekends.
• Finally experience the Village’s more traditional pubs. The Rembrandt,  Paddy’s Goose,  New Union  and Churchills 

VIdeo Guide to Manchester Christmas Markets

Hotels in the gay district tend to fill up fast. Check out these deals on the top hotels close to Canal Street.

Here is our top selection of hotels, close to the center of town & the gay bars,

Hotel Gotham,    ABode Manchester,    Velvet Hotel,    Motel One Manchester