Manchester Pride collapses after 40 years of LGBTQ+ celebration

People attend the candlelit vigil during Manchester Pride 2024, one of the event's most poignant moments before the organisation's financial collapse (Illustrative image) (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images) Getty Images

Manchester Pride has entered voluntary liquidation after four decades as one of the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ events outside London. The organisation announced the decision with "enormous sadness" on Tuesday, citing a combination of rising costs, declining ticket sales and an unsuccessful bid to host Euro Pride.

All staff will be made redundant as part of the liquidation process. The charity's Board of Trustees said they had worked with legal and financial advisers to find solutions but could not avoid the collapse.

Performer payment crisis

The announcement follows weeks of speculation after performers at August's festival complained about delayed payments. Many artists told the Manchester Evening News they had not been paid despite agreed terms of 31 or 60 days, with Tuesday marking the end of the longest payment period.

The organisation apologised to "those who will now lose out financially from the current situation". Liquidators will now handle contact with suppliers and artists owed money.

Financial struggles revealed

According to the BBC, Manchester Pride reported a £468,000 loss in 2023, indicating ongoing financial difficulties. The charity had hoped an "ambitious refresh" of the festival format would address declining revenues.

Sky News reports the UK entertainment industry has lost 37% of its clubs in four years, with venues closing at a rate of 10 per month. This broader crisis has affected events and hospitality businesses nationwide.

Community impact and legacy

Manchester Pride attracted 237,000 visitors annually and generated £104.8 million in economic impact for the city. The organisation distributed 148 grants to grassroots community groups during its operation.

The BBC reports Manchester City Council has committed to supporting a new Pride event for August 2026. The council aims to ensure the LGBTQ+ community retains its annual celebration despite the current organisation's collapse.

Historic celebration ends

Founded in 1985 and becoming a registered charity in 2007, Manchester Pride celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. The four-day festival featured major performers including Olly Alexander, Leigh-Anne and Nelly Furtado, alongside the traditional Saturday parade and candlelit vigil.

The trustees said they hoped their work would "leave a positive and lasting legacy for the Pride movement in Greater Manchester". They pledged to support future Pride events in the city.

Sources used: "Manchester Evening News", "Sky News", "BBC" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).