Manchester Pride organisers issue statement after performers and suppliers claim they haven't been paid

Manchester Pride has issued a statement following mounting claims from performers and suppliers that they are still awaiting payment for their work at the 2025 festival, held in August.

Several artists, including drag performer Saki Yew of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, have publicly voiced frustration over unpaid fees, citing a lack of communication from organisers. Saki, who performed as part of a collective, said the group is owed a “big sum of money” and described the silence from Manchester Pride as “disheartening”.

Other contributors, including backstage crew and signage suppliers, have echoed similar concerns. One sole trader has reportedly taken legal action via the small claims court over a £2,050 debt, while another supplier said they have “no expectation” of receiving nearly £1,000 owed for services rendered.

In response, Manchester Pride posted a statement on Instagram acknowledging the situation and confirming that it is seeking legal and financial advice to determine “the best way forward”. The organisation asked the public to treat its staff “with kindness and respect”, emphasising that responsibility lies with the board, not individual employees. A further update is expected by 22 October.

The controversy comes amid reports that Manchester Pride Ltd may be on the brink of administration. Financial records from 2023 show the charity was already in difficulty, posting a £467,000 loss and operating with negative cashflow. Sources suggest the organisation has struggled to secure funding and may soon begin formal insolvency proceedings.

Equity, the performers’ union, has also stepped in, urging affected artists to seek support. The union criticised the 60-day payment terms in contracts as “unnecessarily long” and warned that if payments are not made by the end of October, Manchester Pride could be in breach of contract.