#BEEPROUD! King Street celebrates Pride

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It’s Manchester Pride month! King Street is proud to celebrate and show our solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community again this year – and we’re inviting you to get involved!

 

Love is King

We’re supporting The Albert Kennedy Trust (akt), the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity founded in Manchester and support young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. 

 

For a limited time only, we’re selling gorgeous Pride goodies and 100% of the sales will be go directly to akt.

Wear your pride with our #BeeProud pin badges and ‘Love’ tote bags or treat yourself to a new print! All designed by the LGBTQ+ graphic designer, Danny Rowe, as part of the ‘Kind is King’ Pride series commissioned by King Street Manchester.

SHOP NOw!

 

 

What else is on for pride?

Whether your looking for a pre-Pride pamper treat or a cocktail, wine and dine al fresco style at King Street and enjoy watching special Pride street performers on Pride parade day!

COMPETITION TIME!

We’ve teamed up with Gaydio to give one lucky person the chance to win a day out on King Street, including an El Gato voucher, a Diesel voucher and a fabulous King Street Grooming treatment package worth £350!

The prize includes:

From King Street Grooming:
Any hair and beard treatment, up to the value of £42
Any 60 minute massage treatment , up to the value of £58
Any facial treatment up to the value of £99

A £50 Diesel gift card, and  £100 El Gato Negro gift card

ENTER NOW

 

About akt

Coming out, or being outed as LGBTQ+, can sadly lead to young people being made homeless – even in 2022. Around 24% of young people experiencing homelessness in the UK are LGBTQ+, which is significantly disproportionate. 

Once homeless, LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to face violence and discrimination than young people who aren’t LGBTQ+. akt support young people into safe homes and employment, education or training, in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates LGBTQ+ identities.

Crepslocker featured in the Manchester Evening News

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Exciting news for King Street’s Crepslocker! Their great success story was featured in an article for the Manchester Evening News earlier this month, focusing on founder Mo Patel’s passion for trainers. The article details his incredible journey from humble beginnings in 2014 to the multi-million-pound business that Crepslocker is today.

Mo started out reselling Nike Huaraches on eBay. He then shifted to promoting his growing side business on Instagram. Eventually, he branched out to rarer and more coveted trainer styles after many successful sales. Today, he and his team of 14 sell thousands of highly desirable and niche designer clothing both online and in-store on King Street.

The article is a great, inspirational read and you can find the full article from the Manchester Evening News here.

Crepslocker can be found at 24-26 King St, Manchester M2 6AG. Open Monday- Saturday 10am – 7pm, Sundays 11:30am-5:30pm

The Manchester Flower Show Returns to King Street

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS MANCUNIANS, THE MANCHESTER FLOWER SHOW IS BACK FROM 2ND TO 5TH JUNE!

This year, the Manchester Flower Show coincides with a very special occasion for the country. Not only do we celebrate the start of summer but Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, too. Over the extended Jubilee weekend, King Street will play host to many beautiful, extravagant floral installations and possibly more…

Enjoy some al fresco dining surrounded by flowers, treat yourself to a special edition floral cocktail and more. Whatever you do, make sure you come along to King Street over this special Jubilee weekend, camera at the ready, to see what’s going on.

 

manchester flower show

 

We’ll be covering the event on social media so get involved and don’t forget to tag @KingStreetManchester in your posts and stories! There’ll be plenty of Instagrammable moments to be had.

 

Things to do around Manchester this Spring

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Spring has finally arrived, the sun is shining, and the flowers are in bloom. What better way to spend the next few months, than going outdoors and enjoying the fresh air?

With the warmer weather approaching, it can be hard to come up with ideas that suit the whole family…but don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We have put together a list of ideas for things to do in Manchester in Spring, including May bank holiday weekend, May half-term and key spring events.

Here are 5 ways to enjoy Manchester this Spring:

 

1. The Manchester Flower Show & our very own display on King Street

2. A visit to Chester Zoo

3. A weekend stay at King Street Town House

4. A trip to Manchester Art Gallery

5. Grab a bite to eat Al Fresco on King Street

The Spring Edition of King Street Magazine is here!

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Welcome to the latest edition of the King Street Magazine. Spring has sprung on King Street and we’ve got everything you need, from al fresco dining to stunning art for your home.

It’s time to put the layers away (give or take) and embrace the latest Spring fashion, dining outdoors and freshening your home with stunning artwork. This edition of the King Street Magazine is bringing you all this and more. We’ve handpicked the best in beauty and wellness products, the boldest, loudest, most beautiful fashion pieces and all the stunning art you’ll need to brighten up your home ready for the Summer. We can’t wait to welcome you to King Street this Spring where we’ll also be supporting The Manchester Flower Show. So get insta-post ready and embrace the floral. We’ll see you there!

READ NOW

The Spring Home-wear Edit

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Spring is finally here, bringing with it the promise of balmier days and even a nationwide April heatwave. So whilst we’re gearing up for this, we can also get excited about the prospect of updating our homes to suit the new season’s best trends… as well as preparing for a spot of al fresco dining. 

We’ve curated a selection of on-trend homewares from our King Street stores to get you ready to raise a glass to the new season.

Flora and fauna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The White Company – Queen Anne Lace Wreath

This white bloom wreath gives an instant Spring statement, which can be used again and again for years to come. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White Stuff – Bird Embroidered Cushion

A quick upgrade with statement embroidery and bird motif. Because you can never have enough scatter cushions. 

All natural

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White Stuff – Reversible Bed Linen In Purple

Lightweight linen and breathable cotton, you can wrap yourself up in soft pastel tones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The White Company – Moreton Kubu Entertaining Trolley

Made from all natural kubu that’s handcrafted in Indonesia, this entertaining trolley is perfect for dinner parties that can roll out into the garden.

Al fresco

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The White Company – Picnic Wine Glass

Say goodbye to disposable cups. This premium picnic wine glass is perfect for outdoor dining and garden parties, that will still look chic use after use. 

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

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Now that Mother’s Day is fast approaching, it’s time to think of ways to show your love and appreciation to your mother, or other women in your life, who have had a positive impact on you.

We all want to show how important a mother is to her family and thank her for all that she does, that’s why King Street are here to give a helping hand!

Here are 5 gift ideas to show your mother a little gratitude on Mother’s Day:

 

Neals Yard – Seaweed and Arnica Bath Salts 

Let her enjoy a revitalising bath this Mother’s Day with these mineral-rich sea salts, infused with arnica, seaweed extract and a restorative blend of organic juniper, lavender and pine essential oils.⁠

The White Company – Lounge Set ⁠

Treat that special woman in your life to the ultimate loungewear-meets-nightwear hybrid set to lounge around the house in. It’s the definition of cosy!

Hobbs London – Westbourne crossbody bag

“I have too many bags” said no woman, ever! You can’t go wrong with an essential accessory, but which colour to go for? Olive green or cornflower blue…

Boodles Jewellery – Raindance Collection Earrings 

Looking to spoil the woman of the family this Mother’s Day? Why not splash out on the Boodles iconic Raindance collection, pink diamond droplets to show her how much you all appreciate her.

White Stuff – Cushions 

Glam-up mums sofa with some lovely cushions and throws this Mother’s Day. Puffy pink cushions are a definite must-have in any woman’s home!

LGBTQ+ Throughout History in Manchester

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This month is LGBTQ+ History Month. Let’s take a look back at some of the key milestones that have shaped the timeline of the LGBTQ+ community in Manchester.

The first Manchester Pride was held on the August bank holiday of 1985 in the Gay Village. Today, it is one of the UK‘s leading LGBTQ+ festivals. Manchester Pride provides opportunities that engage LGBTQ+ individuals in Greater Manchester to thrive. Every penny raised is given back to the community and the festival is dedicated to raising awareness for LGBTQ+ issues in the fight for equality.

 

1968

Lesbians and trans women of colour were some of the key people involved in the Stonewall riots of 1968, sparking a movement which formed the Gay Liberation Front (GLF). The GLF organised a march to continue the momentum of the uprising. This became known as the origin of Pride. Fast forward 50 years and we have the celebratory Pride we all know and love, but it’s important to remember that it wouldn’t be possible if not for trans and gender non-conforming people of colour.

1985

Manchester Pride commenced in 1985 in the Gay Village with the support of a new batch of Labour Party Councillors. The Labour Party even appointed a Lesbian and Gay officer, a move inspired by Ken Livingstone. In 1986, the bars on Oxford Street all got together to raise money for AIDS organisations in the city, with the gay community pulling their efforts in true activism style, despite police hostility at the time.

1989

By 1989, events were all about fundraising for the wards at Mansall Hospital to help people receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS.

1990

The Albert Kennedy Trust opened in Manchester to support young homeless LGBT people. The Trust was launched following the tragic death of Albert Kennedy who fell from a car park roof in Manchester city centre while being chased by several attackers in a car.

1991

After a growth in popularity, the Village Charity was established, running the festival then known as Manchester Mardi Gras, ‘The Festival of Fun’ – complete with cultural performances and fireworks; the epitome of a good time! They raised £15,000.

1994

BiPhoria was formed for bisexual people in Manchester, England. It is the oldest extant bisexual organisation in the UK. They provide opportunities to meet and talk with other bisexuals and those who are questioning their sexual orientation. The first bisexual Pride flag would be unveiled 4 years later on December 5, 1998.

2003

2003 saw the abolition of Section 28 of the 1988 Local Government Act. Section 28, a piece of legislation introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government, stated that local authorities were not allowed to “intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality”.

The Mardi Gras festival had over 100,000 colourful Pride-goers attending throughout the ’90s and early ’00s. In 2003, Manchester also hosted ‘EuroPride’. A ten-day event comprising sports, music, dance and other cultural activities all culminating in the August bank holiday termed as ‘The Big Weekend’. In the closing ceremony of Mardi Gras, it was announced that the event would be known as Manchester Pride, with The Big Weekend as it’s flagship event.

2005

The first Sparkle weekend for the trans community is held on Canal Street. Sparkle is a national transgender charity based in Manchester, celebrating the transgender community. Sparkle Weekend occurs on the second weekend of every July, with local bars and restaurants sponsoring and advertising the event.

2007

Manchester Pride officially became a charity in its own right to raise money and awareness for LGBTQ+ people across Greater Manchester.

2013

The Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013 is passed into law.

2016

Carl Austin-Behan became Manchester’s first openly gay Lord Mayor, and at age 44, he was also one of the youngest. His term ended in May 2017, and in August 2018, he was appointed LGBT advisor to Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham.

Manchester Pride was successfully running The Big Weekend event drawing over 170,000 visitors and raising over £149,000 for the community. Did you know Manchester was the first parade to include the police, the army and NHS floats?

2019

Manchester Pride was praised for becoming the first UK Pride to adopt the additional colours
on the flag, ensuring people from black and minority ethnicity (BAME) backgrounds feel represented and welcome at their events.

2020

Pride was different in 2020 for everyone, but also provided an opportunity to learn our Pride history.

2021

Manchester Pride Festival 2021 events included:

The Gay Village Party
Equality Marches
The Candlelit Vigil
MCR Pride Live
Superbia Weekend
Human Rights Forum
Youth Pride MCR
Family Pride MCR

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

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Roses are red, violets are blue, I went to King Street and bought something special for you!

February 14th is the perfect opportunity to show the people closest to you, how much you appreciate them. So, if you’re struggling with what to get your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got it covered! Here are a few ideas for the perfect gift for everyone on your Valentine’s shopping list this year:

 

Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Aromatherapy Candle

 

Boodles Beach Diamond Necklace

 

The White Company Seychelles Bath and Body Gift Set

 

CrepsLocker Jordan 1 Mid “University blue”⁠

 

Belstaff Lavender + Faded Teal Sweatshirts

Top 5 vegan skincare products to try this Veganuary from Neals Yard

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Whether you’re already a loyal vegan or you’re willing to explore a more vegan-friendly skincare routine this Veganuary, Neals Yard has the products for you! While Veganuary had a record breaking number of sign-ups at the start of this year, it’s fair to say that 2022 is all about introducing more eco-friendly beauty products into our daily skincare routines!

 

 

To save you the trouble of having to hunt around to find out which items to add to your toiletry bags this Veganuary, we’ve picked out our 5 favourite Neals Yard beauty products from their wide vegan range:

 

Wild Rose Glow Face Cream 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rose Facial Wash 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purifying Palmarosa Toner 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rehydrating Rose Facial Oil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sensitive Soothing Cleansing Milk 

ON SOCIAL