gay scene, is broadcast on Channel 4. 23 September - The first Bi Visibility Day (known as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day at the time) is marked with a stall and social on Canal Street by BiPhoria, the only UK event to mark the date that year. 21st century 2000s 2000 The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is formed following the merger of Healthy Gay Manchester and Manchester Lesbian & Gay Switchboard. Mardi Gras is renamed Gayfest. Essential nightclub opens. 2002 The Mardi Gras event is almost cancelled following a row between Greater Manchester Police and organisers over drinking bylaws and crowd safety. The event went ahead and attracted 100,000 visitors. 2003 Manchester hosts Europride and for the first time, the entire gay village area is gated off throughout the August bank holiday weekend with an entrance fee charged to get into the event. and at the final closing ceremony, it was announced that the event would now be known as "Manchester Pride". 2005 10 June - The first Sparkle weekend for the trans community is held on Canal Street. Manchester's gay and inclusive football team Village Manchester joins the GFSN National League. 2006 14 August – Gaydio makes its first broadcast, transmitting for two weeks ahead of, and during, the 2006 Manchester Pride festival. The Paradise Factory closes following the sale of the venue. 2010s 2010 18 June – Gaydio commences full-time broadcasting after being given a community licence by regulator Ofcom. 2012 1-3 June – Manchester hosts the Bingham Cup, an international rugby union tournament featuring gay rugby union teams from across the world. 31 December – Legends nightclub closes when the building which hosts it is demolished to make way for a hotel. In the past the venue had hosted the legendary Twisted Wheel Club. 2015 April – The Lesbian & Gay Foundation changes its name to the LGBT Foundation. 2016 Carl Austin-Behan becomes Manchester's first openly gay Lord Mayor. 2019 August – For the first time, elements of the Manchester Pride four-day August bank holiday festival are held outside of the Village when the music stage is moved to the site of the former Manchester Mayfield railway station. 'The Big Weekend' has been replaced by a ticketed event for 2019, with an entry fee of £71. 2020s 2022 Manchester Pride drops the concert element of the event. The change comes after a consultation with the LGBT+ community amid