Join us for a vibrant mixed-bill night packed with live music dazzling cabaret sharp-witted comedy, you will not want to miss. From rising stars to much-loved local legends HomoGrown shines a spotlight on the artists shaping our region’s LGBTQ+ creative scene and features Aisha Akram, Bay Bryan, AJ LeRoy, SEZBENNY, Lauren Temple, Tom Wills, ZOLATEC, and is hosted by Ciara O'Connor.
Come along discover something new and celebrate the power of queer creativity to kick off the Pride in Trafford festival.
Aisha Akram
A Manchester-based spoken word artist whose poetry centres on her identity as a queer Muslim alongside themes of love and mental health. She has appeared at the BBC Make a Difference Awards, supported Isabella Dorta on tour and was named a Love Queers Trailblazer in 2024.
Bay Bryan
Bay Bryan is a singer-songwriter and theatre artist known for his transportive, story-driven songs and cabaret-like flai. Bay is currently working on his second concept album BAYARD - a kaleidoscopic soul-infused follow-up influenced by a wide range of artists like Amy Winehouse, Anaïs Mitchell, Labi Siffre and Stevie Wonder.
AJ LeRoy
AJ LeRoy is a Manchester based musician, songwriter and arranger. Their vocal style is influenced by an eclectic mix of jazz, soul and folk artists including Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, Frank Ocean and Lianne La Havas.
SEZBENNY
SEZBENNY is a Manchester-based DJ known for delivering energetic, groove-driven house sets with a strong connection to the dance floor. Expect chunky drums, jackin’ house energy, touches of soul and the occasional acid wobbler thrown in for good measure.
Bringing big energy and a love of uplifting house music, SEZBENNY knows exactly how to keep a dance floor locked in.
Lauren Temple
A Manchester-based poet and performer blending fantasy with everyday life. Her work explores queerness, feminism and mental health. She has collaborated with Manchester International Festival, Apples and Snakes, HOME Theatre and Manchester City of Literature.
Tom Wills
A dance-pop artist from Manchester making his Pride in Trafford debut in 2026. His single Mid-Night Moves reached #4 on the UK iTunes Dance Chart and gained support from BBC Introducing. Inspired by Manchester’s club and house scene, he delivers high-energy pop with unapologetically queer storytelling.
ZOLATEC
Coming from Pakistani and Caribbean ancestry, ZOLATEC’s music is a diasporic fusion of breakbeats, shoegaze textures, and experimental electronic sound design—anchored by live steelpan and ethereal vocals. Drawing from trip hop, breakcore & witch house, her work weaves dreamy, distorted atmospheres with a sense of emotional weight and cultural reclamation.
Hosted by Ciara O'Connor
Ciara O’Connor represents one of society’s most marginalised communities… girls who peaked in Year 9.
Having performed at venues such as The Clapham Grand and Top Secret Comedy Club, and with writing that has featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, O’Connor is an up-and-coming voice who ponders the big questions (why do we dedicate benches to dead people?)