The RTPI NW are proud to announce, as part of Manchester Pride’s vibrant programme, an invitation for you to join us for a special LGBTQI* Heritage Tour of Manchester’s iconic Gay Village. This event, co-hosted with Manchester Pride and LGBT Foundation, explores the evolving urban and social environment of the area, shedding light on the achievements and resilience of Manchester’s LGBTQI* community.
While there are many heritage tours in the area, this event is unique in its collaborative approach. We have partnered with key stakeholders including Friends of Sackville Gardens, Village Angels, Manchester City Council, Manchester Metropolitan University and Cllr Sam Wheeler.
Throughout the tour, we will present small talks and presentations from local businesses, activists and artists, to understand this truly diverse area. This tour will act as a data collection for us to understand the history and experiences which deserve to be celebrated in the area, while we design heritage signage which will be displayed throughout the Gay Village. This is your chance to share your thoughts in a dynamic consultation setting, whilst learning in a fun and interactive setting.
Manchester City Council will also join us to present their Gay Village Action Plan, and we’ll discuss how it aligns with the future of the area as a key destination for LGBTQI* tourism and education.
Join us for an unforgettable day of history, collaboration and celebration!
Following this event, the LGBT Foundation invite you to New York New York on Bloom Street for a vibrant celebration party, marking their 50th Anniversary. The party will feature local performers, food, drinks, entertainment and an opportunity for you to share your feedback on how heritage signage in the Gay Village could be improved and more present as part of our live consultation.
If you would also like to attend this celebration event, please secure your ticket using the following link:
LGBT Foundation Manchester LGBTQI* Celebration Tickets, Thu, Aug 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
Accessibility
In order to ensure everyone has the best possible experience, the RTPI is committed to delivering inclusive events. To discuss access needs or any special requirements, please contact Bev Watson.
View our full programme of events here.
If you have any questions or issues with booking please contact Bev Watson.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our esteemed sponsors who have funded this event. Thank you for your support to make this event happen.
LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation
LGBT Foundation is the leading health and wellbeing charity for LGBTQI* people in the UK. Marking 50 years in 2025, the charity has a rich history of supporting and advancing the needs of LGBTQI* people. Based in Manchester and working across the UK, the Foundation delivers a wide range of services and campaigns to ensure that LGBTQ+ communities are safe, healthy, and heard.
From providing vital health and wellbeing services to shaping inclusive policy and promoting visibility, LGBT Foundation is committed to creating a fair and equal society where all LGBTQI* people can thrive. As we mark our 50th anniversary, we celebrate not only how far we’ve come, but the communities and movements that continue to drive change. This is a crucial time to join forces, spreading hope and joy with the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBT Foundation’s 50th anniversary celebrations have been made possible thanks to the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Barefoot Wine.
Manchester Pride
Manchester Pride
Manchester Pride is one of the UK’s leading LGBTQI* charities, working year-round to campaign for equality, celebrate queer culture, and support LGBTQI* communities across Greater Manchester and beyond. Best known for delivering the iconic Manchester Pride Festival, the charity also funds and supports vital projects that improve the lives of LGBTQI* people, from grassroots initiatives to mental health services and inclusion programmes.
Through visibility, celebration and advocacy, Manchester Pride champions a world where everyone can live free to be who they are, with pride.
Cobalt
Cobalt
Cobalt Recruitment is a leading specialist recruitment firm with over 23 years of experience in the real estate, property and construction sectors. Operating across the UK, US and Germany, Cobalt connects top-tier talent with organisations ranging from global corporations to niche enterprises. Their deep sector expertise, commitment to quality, and focus on diversity and inclusion have earned them recognition as a trusted partner in the built environment.
Lichfields
Lichfields
Lichfields is the UK’s pre-eminent planning and development consultancy, with over 60 years of experience delivering insight, innovation and expert advice across the built environment. Operating from a network of nine regional offices, Lichfields supports clients in the public and private sectors, ranging from housing and infrastructure to heritage and regeneration, helping to shape great places for future generations. As an employee-owned business, Lichfields combines deep sector expertise with a commitment to sustainable, inclusive development.
BWB Consulting
BWB Consulting
BWB Consulting is a multi-award-winning engineering and environmental design consultancy, renowned for delivering intelligent, sustainable solutions across the UK’s built environment. With a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers and specialists, BWB provides integrated services in sectors ranging from urban regeneration and infrastructure to energy and education. As part of the global CAF Group, BWB combines local expertise with international reach, supporting transformative projects that benefit people, enhance places and protect the planet.
Civic Heritage
Civic Heritage
Civic Heritage is a UK-based archaeology and heritage consultancy dedicated to supporting sustainable development through a deep understanding of our natural and urban landscapes. Led by directors Ollie Cook and Katie Fletcher, the team brings over 30 years of combined experience in archaeological and heritage services. Operating from Manchester and across Civic’s network of studios in Leeds, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin, Civic Heritage collaborates with developers, architects, local governments and communities to ensure that changes to the urban fabric reflect and respect historical contexts. Their services include archaeological assessments, historic building surveys, excavations and heritage impact statements, all aimed at creating healthy, climate-resilient places and communities.
Donald Insall Associates
Donald Insall Associates
Donald Insall Associates is an award-winning architectural practice and heritage consultancy with over 65 years of experience in the care, repair and adaptation of historic buildings. Operating from studios across the UK, including Manchester, the firm has led nationally significant projects such as the restoration of Rochdale Town Hall and conservation work at Westminster Hall. Their multidisciplinary team combines deep expertise in architectural history, traditional materials and modern technologies to deliver creative conservation solutions. As a B Corp-certified and employee-owned practice, Donald Insall Associates is committed to sustainable, inclusive development that respects the past while embracing the future.
