Wed, 22 Oct 2025

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 Manchester Pride goes bust with thousands owed in unpaid fees

Organisers say the event is no longer "financially viable", blaming rising costs and declining ticket sales.
The charity behind Manchester Pride confirmed it had entered voluntary liquidation after a formal process for shutting down organisations that have run out of cash. In a statement, they expressed "enormous sadness" and apologized for delays in communicating the situation. Dozens of businesses and performers claim they were owed thousands of pounds for their work at this year's event, with some saying they had not been paid at all. Equity, which represents entertainers and performers, said more people contacted them about money owed after Manchester Pride posted on social media that it was seeking legal and financial advice. The government's Charity Commission is "assessing concerns" about the organisation, which submitted a report relating to its finances. Manchester City Council has pledged support for a new chapter in Manchester Pride weekend, which will take place next August. Headliners at this year's event included former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne, Nelly Furtado, and Olly Alexander. The charity had announced plans to hold 2026's event over the following year's August bank holiday weekend. The bankruptcy has left performers frustrated, with one artist saying they typically expect payment for similar work to take two weeks but had heard nothing from organisers. Manchester Pride had received funding of more than £105,000 in 2023, and its website claims it has contributed over £104 million to the city's economy since Covid restrictions were lifted. The event is usually attended by thousands, with parts free to attend and ticket prices varying from £15 to over £200 for "VIP experiences".
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