Manchester Pride has announced it is entering voluntary liquidation due to financial difficulties. Despite efforts to secure funding and reduce costs, including staff and overhead reductions, the organisation was unable to recover – especially after an unsuccessful bid to host Euro Pride. It has now ceased trading and will be liquidated with a debt of £230,000.56.
The trustees have expressed regret, thanks to staff and volunteers, and assured that suppliers and artists owed money will be contacted by the appointed administrators.
Manchester Pride liquidation statement
In a statement released today (22 October) on Instagram, the Manchester Pride Board of Trustees said: “It is with enormous sadness that we announce that Manchester Pride has started the legal process of voluntary liquidation.
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Instagram post via @manchesterpride
“A combination of rising costs, which are affecting the entire events and hospitality industries, declining ticket sales and an ambitious refresh of the format aimed to challenge these issues, along with an unsuccessful bid to host Euro Pride, has led to the organisation no longer being financially viable.
“We regret the delays in communicating the current situation; however, we were keen not to jeopardise financial opportunities while our discussions were ongoing. We were proactive and determined to identify solutions to the financial issues.
“We hope and believe that this leaves a positive and lasting legacy for the Pride movement in Greater Manchester, and that it will continue long into the future. We will do everything we can to to support this moving forward.”
Did Manchester Pride indicate it was in trouble?
The 2025 edition of Manchester Pride was held at the end of August, and with many performer contracts stipulating a 60-day timescale for payment, this is coming up rapidly.
Last Thursday, Manchester Pride posted on Instagram from the board of trustees saying it “is currently in the process of determining the best way forward with our legal and financial advisers.
“We recognise that there has been a period of silence from us, whilst we have taken legal and financial advice.”
Famous faces with complaints for Manchester Pride
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Saki Yew told BBC Newsbeat the situation had “gone too far” and that “a lot of performers are starting to give up hope of being paid”.
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Instagram post via @therealbanksie
On this post, many performers and supporters shared their views. Drag queen Banksie, who appeared on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK commented “This is all getting a bit silly now. Some of us just wanna pay our rent”, and has posted their own statement on the issue.