Pay Your Queers! Petition launched to pay dozens of performers after collapse of Manchester Pride
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A petition has been launched demanding justice for dozens of performers, creatives, and small businesses left unpaid following the sudden collapse of Manchester Pride, one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ events.
The charity behind the festival announced it had entered voluntary liquidation earlier this month, citing rising costs, declining ticket sales, and a failed bid to host EuroPride as key factors. The move has left an estimated £50,000 in unpaid fees owed to artists and contractors who contributed to the August bank holiday weekend celebration.
Equity, the trade union representing performers, launched the petition on 27 October, calling on Manchester City Council to cover the shortfall. The petition, addressed to Council Leader Bev Craig, argues that Pride generates £34 million annually for the city’s economy, yet many contributors are now struggling to pay rent and bills.
Sign the Petition
Pay Your Queers! Manchester Pride’s liquidation must prioritise LGBTQ+ communities.
Christopher Owen, LGBTQ+ coordinator for youth mental health charity 42nd Street and one of the petition’s organisers, said: “Many LGBTQ+ artists, suppliers and freelancers have been left in financial insecurity due to the reckless decisions of the Board of Trustees. Queer communities have been hurt the hardest.”
The liquidation has also resulted in the redundancy of eight staff members. Some performers have spoken out about the emotional and financial toll, with one artist reportedly considering selling their drag outfits to support fellow creatives.
Manchester Pride, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees and major acts such as Olly Alexander, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Nelly Furtado.
Despite the setback, Manchester City Council has pledged to support a “new chapter” for Pride in 2026. However, Equity insists that before future plans are made, those owed money from the 2025 event must be compensated in full.
