OUR HISTORY
The Pink Picnic is Salford Pride’s main project, first delivered in 2011 by our founders Lee Bowditch and Adrian Palmer. The event was established with the support of Salix Homes, working in collaboration with their customer LGBT+ focus group.
The initial planning group came up with a concept of holding an event to bring people together for a fun afternoon, so the Pink Picnic concept was born. Around 15 or so people were envisaged to come to the gathering, but the event attracted more than 120 people on the day.
The founders agreed, following the events success, that they would look to deliver The Pink Picnic as an annual event. The following year several different partners were invited to attend the event, along with some acts for entertainment, the second year sawmore than 400 people attend on the day.
Following the 2012 success, the event expanded to include a main stage, a bar and food tent, and a marquee for a partner organisation. A variety of live acts on the main stage, as well as a falconry display, sports activities, a climbing wall and a bouncy castle kept people entertained. More than 1,000 people from across the North West turned out for the event, making it an enjoyable day for everyone. 2014 saw the attendance rate of the event double with over 2,000 people attending on the day and despite the bad weather at the 2015 event people came armed with umbrellas and ponchos and had an enjoyable day in the park. Due to redevelopment of Peel Park the Pink Picnic 2016 was cancelled.
The event returned in 2017 turning the meadow pink. The day was a huge success despite bad weather, that didn't stop guests partying in the meadow. After a successful return in 2017 the event returned to Peel Park in 2018 after 2 years away attracting over 3,000 guests. 2019 saw over 5500 people attend, who enjoyed the sun and the entertainment throughout the day celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion in Salford.
Due to Covid-19 The Picnic Picnic 2020 was held digitally, with 8 hours of pride spanning radio, a Facebook Live event and a Zoom Afterparty. The day kicked off with a pride themed radio takeover on Salford City Radio, then The Pink Picnic Digital live on Facebook with DJ sets, performances and a talent competition and finally to finish the night a Zoom Afterparty with DJ Bex Hill. The facebook live event had over 12,000 views. The Pink Picnic 2021 was one of the first pride events in Greater Manchester to return in person after Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed in August 2021.
The Pink Picnic 2023 was our biggest event yet selling more than 8,500 tickets, with an increase of 1,000 people wanting to attend The Pink Picnic 2023 from 2022. The day attracted more than 8,000 people to Peel Park making The Pink Picnic now Greater Manchesters largest grassroots pride event.
The Pink Picnic builds community cohesion, strengthens the communities it serves and encourages social interaction, by bringing people together no matter their background or how they identify, to celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion in Salford and beyond.
”It’s a fantastic opportunity to network, make friends and break down boundaries. It made me feel part of the wider community. “ - Picnic Patron
The Pink Picnic remains a community event that promotes and raises the visibility of the LGBT+ community that live, work and study in Salford. Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion for all in Salford, no matter their background or identity.