They had been due to perform on the Mardi Gras stage on Saturday night
12:45, 23 Aug 2025Updated 12:52, 23 Aug 2025
Manchester Pride is taking place in the city centre(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
A Manchester Pride 2025 headliner has pulled out – just hours before they were due to perform on stage.
The huge LGBTQ+ festival, which is attended by around 100,000 people each year, began with its annual parade throughout the city at around midday.
After that, three main stage areas will open up to those with tickets to the festival featuring an array of huge stars over the next two days – including Leigh-Anne, B*Witched and Nelly Furtado.
However, organisers announced during the Parade that singer Billy Porter will no longer be performing at this year’s Pride.
The singer had been due on the Mardi Gras stage at Depot Mayfield at 9.05pm on Saturday night.
In a statement on, Pride organisers said: “We’re sad to share that Billy Porter will no longer be able to perform at Mardi Gras today due to illness.
Billy Porter (Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
We know many of you were looking forward to their set, but we still have loads of amazing performances today.”
Billy, 55, is known for originating the role of Lola in Kinky Boots, following its Broadway debut in 2013. His role of Pray Tell on the hit TV show Pose, further solidified him as a household name around the world and earned him both Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
This year will marks the launch of the new Mardi Gras stage area outside of the Gay Village, located at Depot Mayfield. This is where the bulk of the live performances will be taking place – offering a festival-style atmosphere throughout the weekend.
The new set-up will host performances from the likes of former Little Mix star Leigh-Anne, Danny Beard, Bailey J Mills, Ghetto Fabulous and Charity Shop Sue.
Speaking of the theme for this year’s Parade, Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, said: “Love is the antidote to the hate and discrimination that many LGBTQ+ people still face today. This year, we’re celebrating love as a catalyst to challenge the political and social systems that continue to oppress LGBTQ+ communities.”