Hello everyone, welcome to the channel! Be sure to subscribe and hit the bell icon to stay updated. Here’s a major update: Coronation Street will not be participating in this year’s Manchester Pride Parade, marking a significant departure from their longstanding tradition.

For the first time in a decade, the iconic soap will be absent from the annual celebrations, reportedly due to cost-cutting measures at ITV. Coronation Street, created by gay screenwriter Tony Warren, has been a staple in both British and Mancunian culture, with numerous LGBTQ+ actors and characters featured over the years.

Typically, the show’s stars and behind-the-scenes crew have taken part in the vibrant parade, which runs from Deansgate across the city center to Fairfield Street, near Manchester’s renowned Gay Village. Last year, the show was even woven into the festivities through storylines, including a memorable scene where Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) brought drag queens to the Rovers Return for a party.

The Manchester Pride event, which started officially in 1985 after receiving council funding, has seen Coronation Street contribute its own themed floats over the years. Past floats have included elaborate designs inspired by “The Greatest Showman,” a “Greece”-themed graduation, and fairy tales. However, in recent years, the show’s contributions have scaled back, with simpler entries like the ITV Pride Bandit bus in 2022 and a walking entry featuring a Newton and Ridley van in 2023. ITV had previously stated their desire to reduce emissions as part of their green initiatives.

Sources have revealed to the Manchester Evening News that the decision to skip this year’s parade is part of ITV’s broader expense control measures. Despite the absence of a formal entry, some cast members will still be participating in the event personally. Barbara Knox and Sue Devaney, who play Rita Tanner and Debbie Webster, will be performing on the Alan Turing Stage during Manchester Pride Live on August 25. Additionally, Dolly-Rose Campbell, who portrays Gemma Winter-Brown, will appear on stage at the Bar Pop on August 23.

ITV has issued a statement explaining that while there will be no formal parade entry this year, they remain committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ colleagues and viewers. They continue to celebrate Pride through initiatives such as the “This Living Room is a Proud One” campaign featuring Alan Carr.

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