What is your name?

Jackie Crozier

What is your position within Manchester Pride?

Festival Director

When did you first start working for Pride?

December 2005

Where have you worked previously?

Before working on Pride I was a Community Fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Leeds.

What were your hopes for last year's Manchester Pride?

To hit the £1 million mark for charity and to continue to be the UK's biggest and best Pride event, which we most definitely did and are still doing successfully!

Why is Manchester Pride so important?

I first came to Manchester Pride Bank Holiday weekend in 1995 and have returned every year since. I am so proud of what Manchester has to offer, not only as a city but as a community and that it enables people to come together to celebrate LGBT life. Manchester is one of only a few Pride events that raises money for LGBT charities/groups and HIV Organisations and we should all be very proud of what we achieve.

What’s the worst thing you’ve had to do for Pride?

Having to speak on stage to 10,000 people on the opening night of the big weekend. Thankfully I didn't forget my speech.

Best Pride moment?

Since I was a child I have always loved watching Parades and the excitement you get from watching all the different floats. My best Pride moment would have to be walking with the Parade as it approaches Princess Street, and seeing the thousands of people as it goes past the Village. There’s such a party atmosphere about the whole thing and you can tell that everyone is having a really good time. The route goes right through the heart of the city, which I’m proud of, because I know that gay or straight, everyone in Manchester is proud of Manchester Pride.