LGBT FOUNDATION UNLEASHES A RAINBOW WAVE OF QUEER JOY, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY ACTION THIS SUMMER
Published: 15 May 2025 by
mbelfield
A major summer programme marking LGBT Foundation’s half-century milestone, honouring its legacy and inspiring future generations.
Highlights include the Rainbow Arts Trail, golden parade entries at national Prides, an exhibition at Manchester Central Library, and a global partnership with Google Arts & Culture.
LGBT Foundation turns Pride into power, hope into action, and celebrates LGBTQ+ lives, joy, and resilience at a time when community strength is more vital than ever.
This summer, LGBT Foundation is launching a bold new celebration of queer joy, culture, and community action to mark 50 years of activism, health, and wellbeing support for LGBTQ+ communities. Kicking off on 17 May, the programme will include a vibrant city-centre Rainbow Arts Trail, a Rainbow Wave for the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run, a summer-long exhibition at Manchester Central Library, and a landmark partnership between LGBT Foundation and Google Arts & Culture — proudly honouring the past and present while inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality.
Since 1975, LGBT Foundation has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ health, wellbeing, and rights. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and proudly sponsored by Barefoot Wine, the celebrations start on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) — and will run throughout Pride season across Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Coventry, Birmingham, and beyond.
Highlights include:
Rainbow Arts Trail (launching 17 May): A takeover of Manchester city centre stretching from Manchester Piccadilly to the Gay Village and Manchester Central Library. Featuring 30 artists from across the UK, the trail will celebrate queer life, love, history, and resistance through paintings, sketches, photography, poetry, and film. The Rainbow Arts Trail features the work of Mancsy, Dom&Ink, Jenny Leonard, Patrick He, The Butch Order, Jasmin Issaka, Scot Cunningham, Ben Saunders Art, Nevaeh Willis, Helen Constantinou, and more.
Streaming for Good (launching 17 May): LGBT Foundation’s new initiative inviting gamers and streamers to raise money, spread queer hope, and share joy while putting their skills to the test for a good cause. Our first live stream kicks off with JustLaurxn at 1pm on Twitch.
Rainbow Wave at the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run (18 May): 50 runners will represent 50 years of activism and queer joy, bringing a Rainbow Wave to the streets of Manchester.
Pride season celebrations across Greater Manchester (May–September), Birmingham (24 May), Coventry (28 June), Liverpool (26 July), and Manchester Pride (23 August): Taking the Rainbow Wave and 50th anniversary celebrations to Prides across the country, highlighting LGBTQ+ culture, community action, and resilience.
Launch of LGBT Foundation’s first online shop (launching end of May): Showcasing decades of queer activism and heritage, with all proceeds supporting LGBT Foundation’s life-saving community services.
Return of OutNorthWest (returning in June): A special anniversary edition of the iconic LGBTQ+ lifestyle and culture magazine, looking back at everything we’ve achieved — and ahead to what’s next.
Online Exhibition (launching 27 June): Shining a global spotlight on Manchester’s rich LGBTQ+ heritage, bringing hidden histories and archives to new audiences worldwide.
Exhibition at Manchester Central Library (launching 27 June): An interactive exhibition giving people the chance to explore LGBT Foundation’s fascinating 50-year history and discover how our communities have shaped the future.
LGBTQ+ Heritage Walk Tour (7 August): Led by the Royal Town Planning Institute in support of LGBT Foundation and Manchester Pride, this special walking tour will explore key locations across Manchester that have shaped LGBTQ+ history and inclusive cities.
Return of the Sapphic Showcase (21 August): A vibrant evening of music, comedy, poetry, dance, and more — celebrating the culture, creativity, and resilience of LGBTQ+ women across Greater Manchester.
Debra Nixon, Arts Trail Project Manager, said: “Queer joy is an act of defiance — especially in a time when so many in our community need hope. Our 50th birthday is about honouring our history and heritage, celebrating the culture and resilience of our community and The Rainbow Arts Trail is a celebration of just that. At a time when many of us are feeling overwhelmed, queer hope and joy offer a powerful antidote. Through these artworks, we’re spotlighting local talent and inviting people to see LGBTQ+ hope and joy in the place so many of us call home — and where countless others have found a haven: Manchester. We hope visitors will enjoy discovering more about the artists, the stories behind each piece, and the work of LGBT Foundation.
Nevaeh Willis, one of the artists featuring in the Rainbow Arts Trail said: ‘Having my work in the LGBT Foundation Rainbow trail makes me feel happy and calm. I have been to Pride before a few times with my family, and I know my brother will be really proud and happy for me.’
More events and activities will be announced throughout the year as LGBT Foundation builds towards a powerful finale in December.
