Manchester Pride Enters Liquidation, Performers Unpaid

Manchester Pride Faces Financial Turmoil

In a surprising turn of events, the organization behind Manchester Pride has announced that it is entering voluntary liquidation. This decision has left many performers and suppliers with unpaid fees amounting to thousands of pounds, casting doubt on the future of one of the UK's most prominent Pride events.

On Wednesday, October 22, Manchester Pride's Board of Trustees took to Instagram to deliver the unfortunate news. With a heavy heart, they confirmed that Manchester Pride Ltd is winding down operations due to financial challenges that have made it unsustainable.

The Board attributed the liquidation to multiple factors, including escalating costs, a drop in ticket sales, and an unsuccessful attempt at hosting EuroPride. As a result, the staff at Manchester Pride will be laid off, and the list of those owed money has been provided to liquidators.

Just days before this announcement, several artists, including Zahirah Zapanta, known for her appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race UK season six, voiced their grievances on social media about unpaid performances at the recent event. The 2025 festival, held in the city's center, featured headlining acts such as Nelly Furtado, Olly Alexander, and Billy Porter, attracting thousands of attendees.

According to public financial statements, Manchester Pride Ltd experienced a substantial loss of £467,000 in 2023. The organization had acknowledged its financial struggles following reports of unpaid fees and expressed profound regret to those affected by the non-payment.

"We have worked tirelessly with legal and financial experts to explore every possible solution," the Board's statement explained. "Our goal was to find a way forward that would support our artists, contractors, and partners."

Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, a recovery plan proved unattainable. The Board expressed deep remorse for those who will now face financial hardships due to the current situation.

Community Concerns and Future Outlook

Karen Lockney, representing the performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity North West, described the situation as "hugely concerning" for those still awaiting payment.

"Equity held an emergency meeting with affected performers and creatives," Lockney stated. "Some individuals are facing significant financial strain, struggling to pay for essentials like rent and medical prescriptions. This treatment of working professionals is unacceptable."

Lockney urged any performer or creative who has not been compensated for their work at Manchester Pride to contact Equity immediately. "We are gathering contractual details to explore all avenues for recouping the owed money, and we plan to initiate these processes without delay," she added.

Despite these challenges, Manchester Pride celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the event's history. Bev Craig, the Leader of Manchester City Council, assured that Pride would return to the city in August 2026, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

"There's undoubtedly anxiety about what lies ahead, but Pride transcends the organization that hosts it," stated a spokesperson. "We aim to support a new chapter for Manchester Pride weekend, scheduled for next August."

To ensure a vibrant future for Manchester Pride, the Council is committed to actively engaging with the LGBTQ community. This collaborative effort will help shape how the city can move forward, offering a bright and thriving future for the beloved event.

As Manchester Pride navigates these turbulent times, the outpouring of support and solidarity from the community highlights the enduring spirit and resilience that defines Pride celebrations worldwide.

While the immediate future remains uncertain, the hope is that Manchester Pride will emerge stronger, continuing to be a beacon of diversity and inclusion for years to come.