Sir Ian McKellen is to be Grand Marshal at this year's Manchester Pride parade, which takes places this Saturday.
The Academy Award-winning actor, famed for his portrayal of Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, is also a prominent gay rights campaigner. He takes over the role of Grand Marshal of the event fom Peter Tatchell.
Festival director, Jackie Crozier, said: “Every Parade needs a Grand Marshal and I’m absolutely delighted that we have the wonderful Sir Ian McKellen leading the way. The parade always attracts a huge crowd so I would advise everyone to get there early to avoid disappointment.”
A host of big names are scheduled to appear at the event, including Kelis, Beverley Knight, Belinda Carlise and Chicane.
The parade itself starts at 1pm from Deansgate and works its way past St. Anne’s and Albert Squares, before ending in the village.
