New exhibit: Come Out Tonight: queer 90s nightlife in Spinningfields in Manchester

18 Aug 2025

The John Rylands Library is opening a new exhibition in Spinningfields to mark Manchester Pride 2025 in collaboration with photographers Stuart Linden Rhodes and Jon Shard.

From Tuesday, 19 August explore Come Out Tonight: queer 90s nightlife, an exhibition capturing the energy and growth of the queer scene of the early 1990s. Displayed along The Avenue in Spinningfields, the photographs celebrate 90s queer nights in Manchester and across the country revealing a thriving, dynamic and inclusive community. 

Celebrate more queer stories by visiting The Secret Public: LGBTQ pop 1955-1985, a free exhibition at The John Rylands Library. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.  

Drop into two free events to get ready for Pride weekend: 

• Collection Encounter: The Secret Public, Friday 22 August, 10.40-11.50am. Uncover Manchester’s queer culture and pop music in nightlife through exploring our collections featuring Buzzcocks, the Haçienda and City Life magazine.  
• Curator tour of The Secret Public exhibition, Friday 22 August 3pm. Join curator Mat Bancroft to learn more about the exhibition and explore the profound influence of LGBTQ performers, artists and activists on mainstream popular culture. 

Come Out Tonight: queer 90s nightlife will be on display from Tuesday, 19 August until Sunday, 5 October.