A shadow has fallen over Manchester Pride, one of the UK’s most vibrant and celebrated LGBTQ+ events. The organization has entered voluntary liquidation, revealing a staggering debt exceeding £1.3 million. The news sent ripples of shock and disappointment through the community and beyond.
The financial collapse wasn’t sudden. A confluence of factors – escalating costs, dwindling ticket sales, and an ambitious overhaul of the festival’s format – created a perfect storm. An unsuccessful bid to host Euro Pride 2028 proved to be the final blow, rendering the organization unsustainable.
The fallout is widespread. Eight staff members have already lost their jobs, but the impact extends far beyond those directly employed by Manchester Pride. Hundreds of artists, suppliers, and essential service providers are now facing significant financial losses.
Documents detailing the liquidation paint a stark picture. Nelstar Touring Inc., representing headliner Nelly Furtado, is owed a substantial £145,755.75. The timing is particularly poignant, as Furtado recently announced her decision to step back from live performances, a move she described as pursuing “other creative and personal endeavours.”
The debts don’t stop there. Practical Event Solutions, responsible for event security, is owed over £167,000, while the vital services of St John Ambulance remain unpaid to the tune of £47,300. These are not abstract figures; they represent real people and businesses struggling to recover.
This year’s festival boasted a stellar lineup, including Olly Alexander and Leigh-Anne, drawing large crowds and generating significant excitement. Yet, behind the scenes, a financial crisis was brewing, masked by the spectacle and celebration.
Artists who performed at the August event, which ran from the 22nd to the 25th, are speaking out about the delayed payments and frustrating 60-day payment terms. Drag queen Zariah Zapanta expressed her dismay, calling the situation “disrespectful” and highlighting the frustration of artists who poured their energy into the event.
Organizers reportedly sought assistance from Manchester Council in the wake of the festival, hoping to navigate the mounting debts. Unfortunately, a viable solution could not be found, leaving liquidation as the only option. A statement from Manchester Pride expressed sincere regret for the financial hardship caused to those affected.
The liquidation documents reveal a current bank balance of just £269,291 against total liabilities of £1,306,683. The future of Manchester Pride, a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape and a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community, now hangs in the balance.
