So, I live in Warrington - this is a town half way between Manchester and Liverpool with a public transport system courtesy of the fairy godmother - the trains turn into carrots at midnight. As such I don't know the gay scene very well at either city and consequently have very few gay friends. This has little actual bearing at what's coming up, it's just a general moan. Manchester is obviously well known for it's gay village and annual pride event.

Last weekend was the August Bank Holiday which can mean only one thing - Manchester Pride Big Weekend. The cumulation of the previous week's selection of queer events including London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival On Tour (bringing us "Otto; or, Up With Dead People"), exhibitions and performances. But it's the Big Weekend that everyone knows about and refers to as Pride. And it has nothing to do with Pride.