Olly Alexander was one of the star performers at this year’s Manchester Pride. (Getty)
Manchester Pride organizers have announced that the organization running the event has entered voluntary liquidation, leaving some performers and suppliers owed “thousands of dollars” in unpaid fees, casting doubt on the future of one of Britain’s biggest Prides.
A Manchester Pride board statement shared to Instagram on Wednesday (October 22) confirmed that “with great regret” Manchester Pride Limited has been deemed financially unviable and has entered liquidation.
The board blamed rising costs, falling ticket sales and a failed bid to host EuroPride, and confirmed that Manchester Pride’s staff team would be made redundant and details of outstanding payments would be handed over to liquidators.
This news comes days after artists such as: rupaul’s drag race uk Season 6 star Zahira Zapanta claimed on social media that she was not paid for her appearance at the August event. The 2025 ticketed festival in the city center was headlined by stars including Nelly Furtado, Olly Alexander and Billy Porter, and was attended by thousands.
Manchester Pride made a loss of £467,000 in 2023, according to public accounts. After admitting financial difficulties last week after reports of unpaid bills first surfaced, Manchester Pride today admitted it was “deeply sorry” to those who remain unpaid.
“We have been actively working with multiple partners, including our legal and financial advisors, and have done everything we can to find a positive solution. We were hopeful that we could find a way to continue and, most importantly, support our artists, contractors, and partners.”
“Despite our best efforts, unfortunately this has proved impossible. We sincerely apologize to those who will suffer financial loss due to the current situation.”
Karen Lockney, Performing Arts and Entertainment Workers Union equity north westsaid the latest news would be “very worrying” for those still in debt.
“Yesterday afternoon, Equity held a conference for affected performers and creators, some of whom are losing thousands of dollars,” Lockney said in a statement. “We have heard upsetting stories from people who are worried about being able to pay their rent, prescriptions, and other necessities. It is unacceptable to treat working professionals this way.
“Performers and creators who are working at Manchester Pride but have not been paid should contact Equity as soon as possible. We are gathering contract information to pursue all options to recover unpaid amounts and will begin these processes immediately.”
Manchester Pride will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025 and Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig has claimed that Pride will return to Manchester in August 2026. manchester evening news I will report it.
“While there is no doubt that there are concerns about what the future holds, Pride is much more than the organization that runs it,” the statement said. “We are looking forward to supporting the next chapter of Manchester Pride weekend next August.
“The council will play a full and active role in bringing together the LGBTQ community and shaping how the city moves forward to ensure a bright and prosperous future for Manchester Pride.”
Source: PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news – www.thepinknews.com
