Manchester Music Mooch explores The Village and Canal Street

Manchester’s Gay Village isn’t just a neighbourhood - it’s a stage, a sanctuary, and sometimes a soap opera.

Good vibes, great music, anything goes. The dawning of The 'Gay' Village as you see it now was back in the early 1990s.

Historically the area was a major player in the movement of cotton, along the canals. Pubs opened there to serve the workers and at some point in the middle of the 20th Century it became popular with gay men.

It also had one of the best defaced street signs in the UK... ask a local.

If you want to get into The Village vibe, this playlist may help.

MANTO flyer, 1991
Credit: Glen Routledge / MDMArchive

Placemate 7 flyer, 1985
Credit: Dubwise-er / MDMArchive

Paradise Factory flyer, 1998
Credit: Claire_S / MDMArchive

Homobloc flyer, 2019
Credit: Abigail / MDMArchive

Kate O'Donnell - Queen of Trans Creative Sparkle

A force of nature in the city's LGBTQ+ scene, Kate is a writer, performer, director, and the visionary founder of Trans Creative, the UK's largest trans-led arts organisation. Since the early 1990s, she's been appearing on podiums and stages with her unapologetically bold creations.

Kiss the Door Whore

From her early days as the drag performer 'Angel Valentine', and 'door whore' at clubs such as Paradise Factory in the 1990s to her powerful solo shows like Big Girl’s Blouse, Kate's journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention.

She’s been a trailblazer in making trans voices heard and celebrated, especially at Manchester Pride, where her performances are as much about joy as they are about defiance. Whether she's hosting the opening stage, leading the Candlelit Vigil, or curating the Trans Filth and Joy showcase, Kate ensures that trans narratives are not just included - they're centre stage.

In a world where visibility is resistance, Kate O'Donnell stands as a beacon of pride, creativity, and unapologetic authenticity. Her work continues to inspire and empower, proving that in Manchester's Gay Village, there's always room for more sparkle.

You can see a collection of flyers and articles from Kate's own collection here: Kate O'Donnell Exhibition