Aim: Support the freelance creatives who made Manchester Pride 2025 unforgettable but were left unpaid.
Manchester Pride 2025 was a celebration of LGBTQ+ creative expression, protest, and love — but behind every magic moment were hundreds of creative freelancers who made it happen.
Now, those same creatives are facing real hardship.
With the sudden closure of Manchester Pride, over £1.3 million is reportedly owed to freelancers and suppliers, less than a quarter of that figure reportedly remains in Manchester Pride Events Limited's accounts. Large debts owed to big suppliers will be prioritised meaning many independent artists, producers, and performers could wait months — or even years — to be paid a fraction of what they're owed.
Some may never see a penny.
And some, having already paid others out of pocket, are staring down the barrel of company closure.
As the city moves to rebuild Pride for 2026 we'll work with unions and other local partners to ensure independent freelance creatives get fair and transparent support. But we can't wait for (or rely on) long liquidation processes. The creatives who made Pride 2025 need financial support now.
This fundraiser is calling on businesses, allies, and individuals alike: step up, give what you can, and stand with the independent freelance creatives who made Manchester Pride 2025 unforgettable.
Support the creatives who made Manchester Pride 2025 – donate here.
The Manchester Pride 2025: Together for Creatives Fund is led by creative freelancers impacted by Manchester Pride’s closure including: Adam Carver (Fatt Butcher), Jonathan Banks (Banksie), Lucky Roy Singh and Nathaniel J Hall.
Why this matters
Pride isn’t just an event — it’s a creative movement powered by independent freelancers. When Manchester Pride closed, many were left unpaid and uncertain of the future. Some are now struggling to pay rent or keep their independent businesses open.
By donating, you’re helping to bridge the gap until formal claims are resolved — turning community care into real financial support. Every pound helps keep Pride’s creative spirit alive and ensures those who made 2025 unforgettable aren’t forgotten.