Manchester marks World AIDS Day
MANCHESTER will be marking World AIDS Day with a day of music, food and dance over the weekend to celebrate the lives of those who have lost their lives to HIV and AIDS.
Organised by Manchester World AIDS day Partnership, the event is to be held at the St Thomas Centre in Ardwick on Saturday (December 3) and will host a range of activities offering visitors the chance to both commemorate loved ones and to discover the latest medical advances.
The centrepiece of the commemorations took place on Thursday (December 1) – the official World AIDS day – marked by a candlelit procession led by The Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Carl Austin-Behan.
He said: “The events and activities taking place across the city not only commemorate those who have lost their lives to the virus but help towards the eradication of the stigma and discrimination all too often faced by all those living with HIV.
“The importance of getting tested cannot be overestimated. Early diagnosis is critical – so please, if you have had unprotected sex get tested. It’s easy, painless and early testing really does save lives.”
A vigil in Sackville Gardens also took place after the procession, inviting visitors to speak about their own experiences of living with HIV.
Live musical performances from Manchester Glee, musician and activist Claire Mooney and drag star Divina De Campo added to the celebrations of the day.
The universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV, red ribbons will be on sale at the event and also at various Manchester City Council venues.
