Find some useful answers to Sparkle Weekend FAQ's below:
Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to celebrating gender diversity in all of its vibrancy, and ensure a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all. If you need more information, you’re in the right place! See our FAQ section below for quick answers. If you have a different question, our team would love to hear from you!
Charity FAQs​
When did Sparkle become a charity and what is your registered charity number?
Sparkle was formed in 2005, and became a registered charity (Sparkle - The National Transgender Charity) in 2011.
Our registered charity number is 1134725. To learn more about our Charity, see our About Us page.
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How do I get in touch?
Please see our Contact Form above for general enquiries.
Or you can always email info@sparkle.org.uk.
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I’m struggling and need support - can you help?
Sparkle is not a direct support service for people who are struggling. However, there are so many amazing organisations which can help.
We have created a Resources page which signposts support for sexual health, trans-specific healthcare (NHS and private), housing,
mental health, hate crime signposting, and social support.
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Why do we have an exit button on our website?
Exit buttons allow people to immediately leave the website when clicked. They redirect the you to another website in its place.
This is a standard feature on websites offering support and information to children and vulnerable people, and is seen on many LGBTQ+ charities’ websites. We understand that unfortunately, not everybody is supportive of trans and gender diverse people.
We hope that this exit button enables people to feel safe when viewing our website.
Sparkle’s exit button links you to Google’s Homepage when clicked.
Sparkle Weekend FAQs
When is the Sparkle Weekend 2025?
The Sparkle Weekend 2025 will take place from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th June in Sackville Gardens, Manchester. See here for a full breakdown of the Sparkle Weekend, including key timings.
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What are the roots of the Sparkle Weekend?
The Sparkle Weekend was born as a pageant in 2005, mostly attracting trans women and those with mixed presentation. This 1-day event attracted around 80 people in the Thompson Arms within Manchester’s Gay Village. The following year, the celebration moved to Sackville Gardens. By 2008, the Sparkle Weekend was attracting 600 people, through developing partnerships with brands and organisations. In 2015, the organisation developed a business plan for growth, and attendance rose to around 3,000 people. During this time, the Sparkle Weekend became visibly more inclusive to trans men and non-binary people.
Visitor numbers peaked in 2019 to over 20,000 over the weekend!
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, we significantly struggled as an events-based charity. The online Sparkle event in 2020 saw 3,200 viewers. The first in-person Sparkle Weekend since the Pandemic saw a soft relaunch, attracting over 7,000 attendees. Since then, numbers have gradually risen, seeing over 12,500 visitors at the Sparkle Weekend 2024.
Can children attend?
Children and families are encouraged to attend on Saturday and Sunday! We have a dedicated Family & Youth Zone with support services, activities, and children's entertainment. The Main Stage on Saturday and Sunday will be family-friendly.
For safety reasons, all children must be supervised by an adult at all times while on the festival site. This ensures that they are protected from any potential hazards and can enjoy the event in a safe environment. We ask that parents and guardians take responsibility for keeping their children close and closely monitoring their activities throughout the event.
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Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are more than welcome - you can even enter them into our first Diamond Dog Show!
Please be aware there are assistance dogs working on site and as such, pets must remain on leads at all times. Poo bags, water and shade is available on site.
How do I make a complaint?
If you wish to complain or give us feedback, please email info@sparkle.org.uk. We will only accept complaints regarding the Sparkle Weekend for 28 days following the event (27th July 2025). We endeavour to respond to complaints within 28 days of being received.
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Is the Sparkle Weekend a pride?
Although the Sparkle Weekend is very similar to pride events, we are proudly a celebration rather than a pride, which is rooted in protest. We have important pride elements at the Sparkle Weekend, particularly the Trans Joy March. The Sparkle Weekend is the only celebration of its kind in the UK. 2025 marks 20 years of proudly celebrating gender diversity.
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When will the Main Stage line-up be announced?
We're working hard behind the scenes to bring you another fantastic line-up for 2025! Our team are taking the necessary time to ensure we can deliver another year of incredible gender diverse talent for you to enjoy. Keep an eye on our social media channels and don’t forget to click the bell icon to enable notifications. This way, you'll be the first to hear about our exciting line-ups as soon as they are announced!
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Where should I stay?
There are many different accommodation options within walking distance of Sackville Gardens. You can find different options on search engines and hotel comparison sites, using the post code M1 3HB.
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Is the Sparkle Weekend accessible?
One of our charity’s core values is that the Sparkle Weekend remains free to attend in order to be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender identity, race, religion, or physical ability. We have different accessibility provisions to ensure everyone can join our celebration, including:
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BSL interpreter on the Main Stage
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Ear plugs available on request
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Accessible toilets including baby change facilities
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Step-free site
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Plenty of seating including Accessible Seating
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Sensory Morning on Saturday and Sunday
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Assistance dogs welcome
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Hand sanitiser and masks available
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Sober spaces on site
Sparkle Sanctuary FAQs
Are children allowed to attend?
Sparkle Sanctuary is suitable for children, with family-friendly activities and workshops running each month.
Under 16s need to be accompanied by an adult.
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Is the event accessible?
We strive for Sparkle Sanctuary to be as accessible as possible, including the following measures:
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The Proud Place is accessible by wheelchairs including power chairs
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There are gender neutral toilets, including an accessible toilet
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A quiet sensory space is available for those who might need to decompress
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Masks and hand sanitiser available
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The Proud Place is a sober venue
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Friendly volunteers on hand to help all afternoon
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I'm a trans ally - can I attend?
Sparkle Sanctuary is a social space for the trans and gender diverse community.
We open up the sessions every two months, to include friends, family and allies.
