Bend It Like Beckham

Ahead of the glorous rise of the Lionesses and the explosion in popularity of women's football, Bend It Like Beckham was championing girls who dared to dream differently. Football-mad Jess (Parminder Nagra) can bend a ball better than anyone she knows, but while she dreams of playing at the highest level alongside her best friend Jules (Keira Knightley), her traditional family have very different plans for her future. More than two decades on, Gurinder Chadha's joyful high school coming-of-age comedy was ahead of its time in so many ways and the chemistry between Jess and Jules has seen the film embraced as a queer favourite, with generations of lesbian audiences finding themselves in the film's subtext.

about SCHOOL’S OUT This event is part of our School's Out strand exploring the queer high school experience from Section 28 to Heartstopper and beyond. On the First Street Outdoor Screen you can watch a week of free iconic camp and queer, American and British high school movies including Clueless and Hairspray. Don't miss Banksie 's St Trinian's (2007) Party Screening at CULTPLEX on Thursday 27th August. closing out the season.

timings Starts 6pm

TICKETS This event is free to attend and no ticket is required. As capacity is limited, entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.

MORE information Director: Gurinder Chadha Producers: Gurinder Chadha, Deepak Nayar Screenwriters: Gurinder Chadha, Guljit Bindra, Paul Mayeda Berges Talent: Parminder Nagra, Kiera Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers Country of Origin: UK Language: English Release Year: 2002 Age rating: 12A Content Guidance: Family conflict around cultural/religious expectations, mild language, and references to racism/homophobia. Runtime: 112 minutes

WHY NOT MAKE A NIGHT OF IT? For festival attendees looking to make an extended visit to Manchester, there are many hotels hosting Pride parties and celebrations, drag brunches, freebies and surprises 🌈 All along with a city full of special events, gigs and fabulous places to eat, drink, and dance. Book your stay and enjoy exclusive Pride perks, including: de perks, including: 🔥 Up to 30% off your stay 🍳 Fabulous drag breakfasts & brunches 🍸 Limited-edition Pride cocktails 🎁 Freebies and surprises Join the Celebration!

BOOK YOUR STAY IN MANCHESTER THIS AUGUST