Brody's Notes... Manchester Pride Event 2010 Ends With Huge Candlelight HIV-AIDS Vigil

Manchester Pride   Photo By pinknews.co.uk

By Brody Levesque (Washington DC) AUG 31 | One of Britain's premier Gay Pride events, Manchester Pride, held annually in the city's Gay Village section ended with several thousand attendees gathered in the Village's Sackville Gardens,  to hold an HIV candlelight vigil and closing fireworks display.

A group of LGBT residents representing the city of Manchester read messages of inspiration composed by Mancunians living with HIV-AIDS, as the gathered crowd lit their candles. Prior to the moment of silence in remembrance, British author and poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy read an original poem she had composed for the event.

Britain's leading soul-singer diva, Beverley Knight performed her signature anthem 'Beautiful Night' closing the vigil as the fireworks display commenced.

Pride organiserJackie Crozier told the BBC news that the turnout was "fantastic" for this year's 20th annual event, and that she was confident that Manchester Pride 2010 would raise more funds than Pride 2009, which raised over £135,000 for LGBT charities.