Manchester Pride ‘will take place next August’ despite organisers entering voluntary liquidation
The council said the event had become ‘unsustainable’
Manchester Council has responded to the news that Manchester Pride has entered liquidation(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Manchester Council has issued a statement after it was announced that Manchester Pride has started the legal process of voluntary liquidation – and has said the next event will still take place in August 2026.
This afternoon, the LGBTQ+ event’s board of trustees said the organisation was ‘no longer financially viable’ following rising costs, declining ticket sales and the result of this year’s ‘ambitious’ refresh, with a new stage area outside of the Gay Village area.
The announcement came after the board issued a statement last week admitting that they were ‘currently in the process of determining the best way forward with our legal and financial advisers’.
Last week, many performers of this year’s event spoke about how they had not yet been paid for their appearance and had been faced with a lack of communication and clarity from Pride staff.
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Manchester Pride bosses have issued a statement after a number of performers have said they have not been paid for this year’s event(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
In today’s announcement, the board said it was entering voluntary liquidation with ‘enormous sadness’ and ‘regret the delays in communicating the current situation’. Staff at Manchester Pride have been made redundant, whilst the details of suppliers and artists who have not been paid have been handed over to the appointed liquidators.
Following this afternoon’s news, Manchester Council has issued a statement saying the event remains an ‘hugely important event for our city’. The Leader of Manchester City Council said they had tried to support event organisers, but their position had become ‘unsustainable’.
Bev Craig said: “Manchester Pride March and Weekend has taken place in various forms for 40 years and remains a hugely important event for our city, and for our celebration of Manchester’s LGBTQ community.
“Its form may have changed but its importance to our city has not – it’s something we take tremendously seriously.
Bev Craig, the Leader of Manchester City Council, said Manchester Pride remained a ‘hugely important event for our city’(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We understood Manchester Pride Events Limited’s (MPEL) ongoing financial struggles and did everything we could to provide support and help keep the show on the road this year. However, MPEL’s position had become unsustainable and it’s disappointing to see that they have entered liquidation.”
The council will now begin preparations to try and ensure that Manchester Pride as an event can continue in some capacity going forward.
The statement added: “There will undoubtedly be anxiety about what the future holds – but Pride is much more than the organisation that runs it. We want to support a new chapter for Manchester Pride weekend, which will 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.”
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