Manchester Pride is reported to have outstanding debts totaling £1.3 million owed to performers, suppliers, and venues. This financial situation emerged following the charity’s recent announcement of insolvency, which was prompted by numerous complaints regarding unpaid work.
A financial report from KR8 Advisory indicates that 182 entities are affected, with debts ranging from £30 to £330,329. Specifically, Nelly Furtado’s production company is owed £145,775, while a company associated with Olly Alexander is owed £48,000. Additionally, the first aid charity St John Ambulance is owed £47,330.40, and the venue Mayfield Depot is owed £330,329. The security firm Practical Event Solutions also has an outstanding claim of £167,892.
The financial troubles of Manchester Pride were exacerbated by disappointing ticket sales for its August event. Organizers sought legal advice in early September when the situation became apparent. The report details attempts to secure financial aid and explores potential rescue options, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The charity officially entered liquidation on October 16.
The report notes that Manchester Pride faced difficulties starting 2025 and was impacted by the wider events industry’s challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis. An effort to launch a Mardi Gras event aimed at stabilizing finances ultimately failed, leading to further losses. Despite submitting a bid to host EuroPride in 2028, Manchester Pride’s application was unsuccessful, and this setback contributed to the decision to liquidate.
Manchester Pride, historically one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ events, has expressed apologies for the delays in communication towards unpaid parties and reassured that plans are still in place for the next event scheduled for the August Bank Holiday. Meanwhile, the Entertainment union Equity is reviewing legal options while concerns around the charity are being examined by the Charity Commission.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2wx403g82o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss