Salford Pride are “saddened” by the news of Manchester Pride’s liquidation, but “remains confident” in their future.
The charity, who host The Pink Picnic in Peel Park annually to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Salford, said their “thoughts are with (Manchester Pride’s) staff, suppliers, collaborators and artists from this year’s event.”
In a statement released by the charity, they say they want to “reassure” their community, and that their “commitment to celebrating and uplifting LGBTQ+ people in Salford and beyond remains as strong as ever.
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Manchester Pride entered voluntary liquidation on Wednesday 22 October, following claims from performers that they had not been paid for their appearances.
Manchester-based drag queen and Drag Race season six star Saki Yew said: “All us performers asked was for answers and transparency with what was going on, and the anger and frustration is from being kept in the dark.”
A statement from the Manchester Board of Trustees said: “A combination of rising costs,” alongside “declining ticket sales and an ambitious refresh of the format aimed to challenge these issues, along with an unsuccessful bid to host Euro Pride, has led to the organisation no longer being financially viable.”
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Salford Pride trustee Harry Jones said: “We’re all very sad to hear the news, and know that it will have an impact on many members of our community.”
They however “remain confident in the long-term sustainability of Salford Pride and The Pink Picnic.”
He said: “We grow within our means and work closely with local partners, funders and sponsors to ensure our events remain safe, inclusive and financially sustainable.”
The Pink Picnic event, which is hosted at Peel Park annually, was first delivered in 2011 by founders Lee Bowditch and Adrian Palmer.
It has since grown into “Greater Manchester’s largest grassroots pride,” with “top headline artists gracing the main stage,” alongside “community stalls showcasing local groups.”
Harry said: “The Pink Picnic has seen steady growth year on year, both in attendance and community engagement.
“While The Pink Picnic is a ticketed event, we work hard to keep prices as low and accessible as possible so that everyone can take part.”
Saki Yew said: “This is an opportunity for change.”
She hopes to “reclaim pride and bring it back to the heart of the community.”
More information on Salford Pride and their upcoming events can be found on their website here.
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