As June is #PRIDEMONTH we decided to focus our regular Location of the Month feature around a Manchester Landmark which sits central to the city’s nightlife and club and pub scene.
Undoubtedly one of Manchester’s most vibrant areas, Canal Street sits at the epicentre of the infamous Village, and it’s no exaggeration to claim that 1999’s TV classic, Queer as Folk helped put this part of town firmly on the Global LGBTQIA+ map. The area is rich in character and celebrating inclusion and diversity sits at the heart of this very special part of the city’s DNA.
As you saunter along the cobbles or enjoy a canal-side drink you will capture a hint of the atmosphere of the high-energy and much-loved drama starring Charlie Hunnam, Aiden Quinn, and Craig Kelly as three young residents finding their way in turn-of-the-Millenium Manchester.
Queeras Folk writer and showrunner Russell T Davies has since gone on to set many scenes in and around the Village and across Manchester locations.
His more recent work includes triptych, Cucumber, Banana, and Tofu which dealt with some of the various complications of #LGBTQIA+ life. These all filmed in and around The Village.
Currently Russell’s new project Tip Toe is in pre-production and will put The Village back on screen on release.
Unsurprisingly perhaps given its ability to deliver much loved gay and transgender characters and authentic LGBTQIA+ storylines the ever-popular and much loved Coronation Street has found its way onto millions of TV screens across the globe. Todd, Billy, Sean, James, Nina, Asha, Theo, Carla and Lisa are just some of the Rovers regulars likely to find their way to Canal Street.
And The Village will soon loom large on the silver screen when Working Title’s feature film CC: Emily arrives.
