Equity has called the news that Manchester Pride assets are being sold to the highest bidder “concerning” as hundreds of performers remain unpaid from the 2025 event. The union wrote to Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig on Monday 12 January raising concerns and questions.
Equity is seeking payment for more than 50 performers – many of them local Mancunians – who were left out of pocket when Manchester Pride went bust in October 2025, with more than £70,000 owing to Equity members. Liquidators are now selling the Manchester Pride brand-related assets, with a deadline of Friday 16 January for offers.
There’s no Pride without performers, but performers are getting a raw deal. They’ve been let down by both Manchester Pride and Manchester City Council.
Karen Lockney, Equity North-West Official
Karen Lockney, Equity North-West Official, said: “There’s no Pride without performers, but performers are getting a raw deal. They’ve been let down by both Manchester Pride and Manchester City Council.
“Despite a positive meeting with Bev Craig in November, where a commitment was made about exploring options to get pay for performers and ensuring their voices were heard, nothing concrete has emerged, and communication has dried up. Many performers left out of pocket have really struggled over the Christmas period.
“The news that Manchester Pride is to be sold to the highest bidder is extremely concerning and shows that lessons have not been learnt. There appears to be a complete lack of concern for the workers who made Manchester Pride 2025 from all those involved in the running of it, including Manchester City Council. “
In the email to Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig, Equity says that options to address financial hardship discussed in a meeting in November have “not borne fruit” and “show little prospect of addressing the financial hardship” of performers. The letter expresses concern at the sale of Manchester Pride trademark to the highest bidder and seeks “reassurances in regard to future contracting and unionised terms and conditions”. Equity also urges MCC, as an “active and involved partner in the event” to “take some responsibility for the workers who have been wronged.”
Equity will continue to work with and support performers to ensure they are paid for their labour, and that future Pride festivals take place with unionised terms and conditions and performers’ voices central to the discussions.
