The Great British Bear Bash (GBBB)

The Great British Bear Bash is England’s longest-running major bear weekend and a firm favourite in the UK calendar. Organised by Manbears Manchester, it takes over the city’s Gay Village across the early May Bank Holiday, drawing bears, cubs, otters, chasers and admirers from all over the country and beyond.

The event spreads across multiple bars, clubs and community spaces with a packed mix of daytime socials and lively evening parties. Expect pub crawls, a busy Bear Bazaar with market stalls, registration and welcome drinks, themed club nights, Beareoke, cabaret, the Mr Manbears contest, a sauna session and often a pool party. There are also relaxed brunches, a Sunday lunch, a short memorial gathering and plenty of informal chances to catch up with old friends or make new ones.

What makes the Great British Bear Bash special is its welcoming, playful atmosphere. Many daytime activities are free or low-cost, while a weekend wristband covers the main club nights and additional perks. The whole weekend feels like a temporary takeover of Canal Street by the bear community – friendly, body-positive and full of energy. For many it is the first big outdoor-season gathering of the year and a highlight that people plan their spring around.

England’s longest-running major bear weekend takes over Manchester’s Gay Village each early May Bank Holiday. Organised by the local Manbears group, it mixes free daytime socials, pub crawls, a busy market, themed club nights, a title contest, sauna and often a pool party. A weekend wristband covers the main nights while the overall atmosphere stays friendly, body-positive and open to bears, cubs, otters and admirers from across the UK and beyond.

Manchester Gay Village (Canal Street area)

For more information and upcoming events, visit www.manbears-manchester.co.uk