Manchester Pride declares 'voluntary liquidation' after performers go unpaid

ITV News' Emma Sweeney reports on the liquidation of Manchester Pride.

Manchester Pride has announced it is entering voluntary liquidation due to financial difficulties.

Trustees of the charity say a combination of rising costs, declining ticket sales and an unsuccessful bid to host EuroPride 2028 has led to the charity "no longer being financially viable."

The organisation is responsible for the city's annual pride events, one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the UK, which has taken place in every August since 1985 and drawn in hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city.

It has become synonymous with the city and raised millions for good causes in the region.

The charity's Board of Trustees released a statement on Wednesday, 22 October to say: "[We] are devastated at this situation and sad to share that our staff team will be made redundant.

"We, along with the team, have put our hearts and souls into the celebration and community activities over two decades and are very distressed at the position in which we find ourselves.

"We would like to sincerely offer our thanks to all of our staff, volunteers and supporters who have contributed so much to Manchester Pride over the years."

The announcement throws into doubt the future of Manchester's pride weekend, which has been organised by the charity for the previous four decades.

Despite this, local business owners on Canal Street, the heart of Manchester's LGBTQ+ community, have vowed to keep the event going and will meet with council leader Bev Craig in November to discuss plans for future events.

The co-owner of The Eagle, The Lodge, and Richmond Tea Rooms Andrew Underwood said: "The village businesses along with LGBT charities will come together and make sure there is some form of event next year to celebrate and support the community."

Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig has also vowed to support local businesses and Manchester's queer community, promising next year's event will take place.

She said: "Pride is much more than the organisation that runs it and we want to support a new chapter for Manchester Pride weekend which will take place next August.

"The Council will play a full and active role in bringing together the LGBTQ community to help shape how the city moves forward to ensure a bright and thriving future for Manchester Pride."

The announcement comes after a number of performers were left unpaid for their work during the August Bank Holiday.

Drag performer Lucky Roy Singh is owed thousands of pounds for producing and performing shows during Manchester Pride.

They said: "I am concerned about why this has happened, I'm concerned that what's going to happen going forward.

"I feel like I've been treated unprofessionally, I feel it's irresponsible, and I feel it's really really bad to not speak to one of your producers that have worked with for over three years, that has created a number of shows for you, that has worked alongside you."

Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, has urged performers waiting for payment to get in touch for support and advice.

According to the union, the 60-day payment period for most performers’ contracts expires at the end of October, meaning Manchester Pride will be in breach of agreed payment periods if performers are not paid by then.

The Board of Trustees said: "The Manchester Pride team have now handed over the details of suppliers and artists who are owed money to the liquidators who will be handling the affairs of the Charity and contacting everyone."

Manchester Pride has also submitted a serious incident report relating to the charity’s finances to the Charity Commission, which has now opened a compliance case.

A commission spokesperson said: “We have opened a compliance case to assess concerns raised about Manchester Pride and we are engaging with the trustees to help inform any next regulatory steps.”

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