Manchester Pride collapses as performers left awaiting ‘thousands’ in unpaid fees

WATCH: Linzi Smith discusses Northumbria Pride ruling

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GB NEWS

George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 22/10/2025

- 22:49

Updated: 22/10/2025

- 23:21

The event was one of the biggest LGBT+ events outside London, drawing thousands to the city

Manchester Pride has been plunged into chaos after the charity behind the event entered voluntary liquidation.

Numerous entertainers were left unpaid for performances at the August Bank Holiday festival, one of the biggest LGBT+ events in the country.


The Charity Commission has opened a compliance case to examine the charity's finances after receiving concerns about payment delays.

The regulator confirmed Manchester Pride submitted a serious incident report regarding its financial situation.

Entertainers, including musicians, drag artists and DJs, have reported waiting months for payment without receiving communication from organisers.

Many agreed to 60-day payment periods for their festival appearances, whilst others with 31-day terms also remain unpaid.

Performers have faced extended periods of silence when pursuing payment for their August appearances. Drag artist Saki Yew, who appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2024, told the BBC she had received "no communication and no answer" regarding her fee.

"It's gone too far," Saki said. "As performers, we're used to waiting for money, but a lot of performers are starting to give up hope of being paid."

Manchester Pride 2024

The charity behind Manchester Pride entered voluntary liquidation

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The entertainment union Equity criticised the 60-day payment periods as an "outlier" compared to the industry norm of 30 days maximum.

Karen Lockney, Equity's North West official, stated: "Performers are self-employed workers who often have significant upfront costs in order to deliver extraordinary performances and experiences. Having to wait so long for payment puts an unnecessary financial burden on precarious workers."

Multiple factors contributed to the organisation's financial downfall. The trustees cited escalating operational expenses, reduced ticket purchases, and an overhaul of the festival format that failed to address these challenges.

The charity's unsuccessful attempt to secure EuroPride 2028, which was awarded to the West of Ireland, further compounded their difficulties.

\u200b Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander performs during this year's Manchester Pride 2025

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Financial documents revealed the charity recorded losses of approximately £468,000 in 2023. Despite distributing over £105,000 to LGBTQ+ organisations that year, the mounting deficits proved insurmountable.

In their statement, trustees expressed "enormous sadness" and apologised to those facing financial losses. "We regret the delays in communicating the current situation," they said.

"We had hoped to be able to find a way to continue, and, most importantly, to support our artists, contractors and partners."

The entire workforce at Manchester Pride faces redundancy as the charity transfers its affairs to appointed liquidators. The liquidators will contact all suppliers and artists who are owed money, according to the trustees' announcement.

Manchester Pride celebration

The event was one of the most popular LGBT+ events in the country

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This year's festival featured headline performances from Olly Alexander, Leigh-Anne and Nelly Furtado, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees.

The charity's website states it contributed over £104million to Manchester's economy following the pandemic.

In 2023, it supported 81 projects across Greater Manchester with grants totalling £105,854.

Mark Fletcher has served as chief executive since 2013, overseeing the charity which gained registered status in 2007.

Manchester Pride 2023

The event has been cancelled, much to the disappointment of the Manchester LGBT+ community

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Mark Fletcher has served as chief executive since 2013, overseeing the charity which gained registered status in 2007. The trustees expressed hope that Manchester Pride's legacy would continue despite the current collapse

The leader of Manchester city council, Bev Craig, said it was disappointing that the event’s organisers had entered liquidation after the authority had done everything it could to "help keep the show on the road this year."

Despite anxiety about the future of the event, she said Manchester Pride would enter a new chapter and take place next August.

"The council will play a full and active role in bringing together the LGBTQ community to help shape how the city moves forward to ensure a bright and thriving future for Manchester Pride" she said.

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