This year’s Manchester Pride Parade carried a theme that resonated deeply with me: Love. Aptly called The Love Parade, it celebrated LGBTQ+ love, self-love, love between allies, and love as solidarity. Love in all its forms is powerful, it heals, it unites, and it creates resilience. And for me, this theme became more than just a concept; it became a lived experience through my collaboration with Prevent Breast Cancer.
I’ve always believed that creativity has the power to uplift, empower, and start meaningful conversations. Being able to use my art to support a cause as important as Prevent Breast Cancer felt like both an honour and a responsibility. This wasn’t just about creating something beautiful, it was about amplifying awareness, celebrating community, and spreading hope.
Meeting Prevent Breast Cancer
My connection to Prevent Breast Cancer began in the most unexpected of ways. Last year, I attended a networking event where I sat next to a woman called Michelle with the most infectious energy. She told me all about a Dancethon she was organising. It sounded absolutely bonkers in the best way and I was instantly intrigued. More than just fun, it was about raising awareness and vital funds for Prevent Breast Cancer, a charity that is passionately working towards a future free of breast cancer.
That event became the gateway to meeting a group of truly incredible women. Some were survivors who had bravely journeyed through breast cancer, others were still navigating the process, and many were friends and loved ones who had stood steadfastly by their side. The stories they shared with me were raw, moving, and inspiring. Listening to them reminded me of the strength of community and the importance of support systems. It was humbling, and I knew I wanted to do more.
The Honour of Being Commissioned
Fast forward to this year, when I was deeply honoured to be commissioned to create the artwork for the Prevent Breast Cancer float at Manchester Pride. To be trusted with visually representing their message.
Seeing the Artwork Come to Life
On the day of the parade, I was overwhelmed to see my work on such a huge scale. There’s something incredibly empowering about seeing your creativity transformed into something that moves, literally through a city. My artwork wasn’t confined to a gallery wall; it was alive, rolling through Manchester, surrounded by music, dancing, and celebration. Knowing that it was supporting the mission of Prevent Breast Cancer made it even more meaningful.
A Personal First: Sharing Pride with My Mum
This year also carried a very personal moment for me: I brought my mum to her first Pride. Sharing the experience with her was truly beautiful. Watching my mum soak in the atmosphere, the colour, the music, and the sheer joy.
Reflections on Love and Creativity
Reflecting on the experience, I feel empowered in ways I hadn’t expected. Seeing my work at that scale, knowing it was part of something bigger than me, was profoundly moving. I learned so much from the stories of survivors and from the energy of the volunteers. I learned from my mum’s fresh perspective on Pride. Most importantly, I was reminded that activism doesn’t always look like standing on a podium or leading a march sometimes, it’s about creating something that helps others feel seen, supported, and hopeful.
Love, creativity, and activism are interconnected. Love fuels activism; creativity gives it form. Together, they can move people, start conversations, and inspire change. That’s what I felt this year at Manchester Pride, and it’s a lesson I’ll carry with me into all my future work.
This experience has shown me the importance of coming together for causes that matter. If you’re reading this and feel inspired, here’s how you can help:
- Donate to Prevent Breast Cancer – Every contribution brings us closer to a future without breast cancer. https://preventbreastcancer.org.uk/donate/
- Commission Creativity for Good – If you run a business or charity, think about how creative projects can help amplify your message. Art has power, I would love to hear from you.
Together, we can create a world fuelled by love, strengthened by community, and hopeful for the future.
Thank you for reading
Big LOVE Emma:)