Manchester Pride, one of the UK’s biggest LGBTQ celebrations, has gone into voluntary liquidation, leaving performers and suppliers owed “thousands.” In a statement posted Wednesday, the Board of Trustees informed that Manchester Pride Ltd was no longer financially viable. The board blamed “rising costs, declining ticket sales and an unsuccessful bid to host EuroPride.” Staff will be made redundant, and unpaid accounts will be passed to liquidators. Artists, including RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Zahirah Zapanta, said they haven’t been paid since the August 2025 festival. Equity North West’s Karen Lockney called the situation hugely concerning. Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig promised Pride will return in August 2026, saying, “Pride is much more than the organisation that runs it.”
