Sparkle (charity)

Sparkle - the national transgender charity based in the United Kingdom that is best known for organising the annual Sparkle Weekend in Manchester, which aims to celebrate the transgender community. The event claims to be the world's largest transgender event.

History
Sparkle was formed in 2005 by Kimberly Nolan and was granted registered charity status in 2011 by board member Sophie Summers.

Sparkle Weekend
Sparkle Weekend occurs in the second weekend every July, with the 18th weekend celebrated in 2023., where over 12,000 people attended It is based around Manchester's Canal Street, with local bars and restaurants sponsoring and advertising the event, and various talks and workshops are run. On the Saturday and Sunday, Sackville Gardens hosts a stage and well-being, family and sober spaces along with a well attended marketplace showcasing the best in trans retail.

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR)
Sparkle also hosts the Manchester Transgender Day of Remembrance every November on the Sunday nearest to the 20th to remember victims of transphobic crime as part of the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Other activities
In addition to organising the Sparkle Weekend, the charity aims to promote awareness and acceptance of the Transgender community. In November 2022, Sparkle organised a candle-lit vigil to remember victims of transphobic crime as part of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Every year they continue this service to see the growth and change in support for the trans community and to remember those who were ‘known to us’.

Sparkle are also responsible for the National Transgender memorial project, commencing a replacement of the original monument following an incident of vandalism where it was found to be irreparable following fire damage.

Trustees and Patrons
Sparkle has a governing body of trustees who are led by Jay Crawford (Chair). Sparkle currently has two patrons Professor Stephen Whittle OBE and Actress Annie Wallace.