Manchester Pride Ltd, the organisation behind one of the UK’s most prominent LGBTQ+ festivals, has entered voluntary liquidation, leaving some performers and suppliers out of pocket — and raising serious concerns about the event’s future.
In a statement shared to Instagram on Wednesday (22 October), the Board of Trustees announced the decision was made “with enormous sadness” after the organisation was deemed no longer financially viable.
Declining Ticket Sales and Unpaid Performers
Blaming rising costs, declining ticket sales, and an unsuccessful bid to host EuroPride, the board confirmed that all staff would be made redundant. Affected creditors — including artists, creatives and suppliers — would have their details passed to official liquidators.
The announcement comes just days after RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season six star Zahirah Zapanta and other artists claimed publicly they had not been paid for performances at the August 2025 event, which featured headline acts Nelly Furtado, Olly Alexander, and Billy Porter.
Financial Losses Mount
Public records show that Manchester Pride Ltd posted a £467,000 loss in 2023. In the wake of mounting criticism, the organisation admitted financial struggles last week. The latest statement reads:
“We’ve been actively working with several partners, including legal and financial advisors, to do everything we could to find a positive solution. We had hoped to be able to find a way to continue, and, most importantly, to support our artists, contractors and partners.”
“Despite our best efforts, sadly, this has not proved to be possible. We are sincerely sorry for those who will now lose out financially from the current situation.”
Union: ‘Hugely Concerning’
Karen Lockney, from trade union Equity North West, described the news as “hugely concerning” for the affected workers.
“Yesterday afternoon, Equity held a meeting for affected performers and creatives – some of whom are out of pocket by thousands,” Lockney said.
“We heard upsetting stories from people unsure if they can make payments for rent, medical prescriptions and other essentials. Treating working professionals like this is unacceptable.”
Equity has urged all unpaid performers and creatives to come forward.
“We are collecting contractual information to pursue all options to recoup money owed, and we will begin these processes immediately.”
Will Manchester Pride Return?
This year marked the 40th anniversary of Manchester Pride. While its financial future is uncertain, Manchester City Council has pledged to ensure the event returns in August 2026.
Council Leader Bev Craig told the Manchester Evening News:
“There will undoubtedly be anxiety about what the future holds – but Pride is much more than the organisation that runs it.”
“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.”
