As a sea of flickering candles are held in the air in unison in Sackville Gardens on Monday evening, Manchester’s Gay Village falls silent for perhaps the first time since Friday. Keeping to tradition, the four-day weekend of Manchester Pride 2024 concluded in a poignant and beautiful fashion with the candlelight vigil - a chance to remember those lost to HIV and to recognise where the LGBTQ+ community stands today. Offering a moment of solitude, an opportunity to reflect or to take stock and remember loved ones no longer here, each of the thousands in attendance had their own reasons for attending the vigil.
READ MORE: 100 photos that sum up the joy of Manchester Pride 2024 The event, held by the George House Trust charity, also served as a chance for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to pay respect to those who have paved the way for progress in equality and inclusion, as well as acknowledge that there are strides still to be made. This year’s vigil, which featured a wealth of music, spoken word performances and touching tributes, featured a theme of celebrating queer women, with the likes of Kate O'Donnell, DJ Paulette and activist and writer Hafsa Qureshi amongst those taking to the stage during the two-hour event. People reflecting at the Candlelight Vigil during Manchester Pride 2024 (Image: Manchester Pride/George House Trust) Drag performer Lucky Roy Singh, who has curated the Queer Asian Takeover at Manchester Pride for the last two years, also urged for.