Music,

Manchester Pride is the one! But which pop star crowdsurfed wrapped in cling film?

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Where do we start with Manchester Pride. It could possibly be one of the most chaotic, crazy and downright ludicrous events of the year with people flocking from all over the world to celebrate LGBT culture.

It would be worth it to go literally just for the costumes. People really do go all out.

But there’s also tons of amazing pop music to enjoy with the likes of Katy B, Will Young, M.O, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Fleur East all performing this year.

Find Katy B and Fleur East‘s Snapchat username and thousands of other artists in our Snapchat Directory.

It was an unforgettable experience which offered sights such as Will Young wrapped in cling film surfing through the crowd.

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Fleur brought all the sass that a human being can possibly produce.

M.O slayed their set completely, proving that they are one of the most exciting girl bands on the planet right now.

Katy B brought the non-stop dance party.

And her collab with MNEK was unreal.

And, as luck would have it, MNEK met with us for a quick chat ahead of his performance:

Hi MNEK! Are you excited to perform and do you think that Pride event are different to festivals?

I think they are different, especially for gay people. I think there aren’t a lot of venues where they can be their true selves. It’s just a full on gay fest haha. Everyone’s just here to have a good time and there’s always amazing music playing. Pride parties are the one.

MP! suddenly looks down and notices MNEK’s chipped fingernails. GASPS IN HORROR.

Yeah they’re busted. Yeah I meant to redo them but it looks a bit more punk rock that way.

We’ll let it go. Who is your favourite gay icon?

Mariah! I’m a Mariah fanatic. I love all the albums and the hand.

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Don’t we all…

We can see from your Twitter that you’re loving ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ at the minute. Would you ever do drag yourself? 

For one night only. I’d get someone to do my make-up and it would be hilarious. I would also keep my beard. Give it a Conchita vibe. I think I’d make an alright woman because I’m curvy.

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What do you think are the biggest issues facing LGBT youth nowadays and how do you think it’s changed in your lifetime?

It’s changed so much in comparison to people’s experiences 20-30 years ago. People my age feel like there is more of a safe zone and they can be themselves. There are so many mediums out there which show that it’s OK and these just didn’t exist before.

Is having a gay fanbase important to you?

Of course, I am a gay man and it’s cool to have your people support you. I really just want everyone to enjoy my music though.

Which brings us on to the topic of your latest single, ‘At Night (I Think About You)’. Having written a lot of songs for other artists, how do you know which songs you want to keep for yourself?

The process is different. When I start a song I know whether it’s for me or not. The music I make for myself is very different to what I make for other people. A lot of the time I produce it with them in the room.

Do you not find it intimidating when you’re asked to write a song for a massive artist like Beyonce? (MNEK co-wrote Beyonce‘s ‘Hold Up’ from her latest album ‘Lemonade’)

It’s obviously daunting, but at the end of the day you just want to make a good song and so do they.

Thanks for chatting with us, MNEK!

He then gave us a massive hug and went on to slay his performance. Naturally.

MNEK’s latest single ‘At Night (I Think About You)’ is out to download and stream now.

The four day extravaganza that was Manchester Pride ended with a candlelit vigil to remember those who have lost their lives to HIV, AIDS and hate crimes. A moving spectacle and a due reminder that Pride is about more than just parties and pop stars. It’s about solidarity.

Tweet us @maximumpop if you went to this year’s Manchester Pride. We’d love to hear about your experience!

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Written by David Farrell

David is the Head of Content at Maximum Pop!

Having studied Russian and Spanish at the University of Leeds, David moved to Moscow to work in the education sector. Upon returning to UK soil, David initially immersed himself in the wonderful world of MP! as a music writer.

Now head of all things content, David takes being a music fanboy to a whole new level, and can often be found dancing like there's nobody watching to 'Shout Out To My Ex', obsessing over Lauren Jauregui and defending Taylor Swift's honour.

David once appeared on TV in Armenia. Apparently, "it was awesome".

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