The Festival

Why do we pay to attend Pride when other Pride events are free?

Back in 2003, it was decided that we would have to charge an entry fee, so that we could continue to improve the quality of the event and to cover the costs of running it, and by doing so, secure the future of Manchester Pride.

The entry fee allows us to generate substantial amounts of money for charity. Manchester Pride is one of the only Pride events in the UK (and in the world) to consistently raise considerable amounts of money for charity every year.

Why is the event a gated event?

There are many reasons for Manchester Pride being a gated event. We want to make the event as safe and secure as possible. Due to the alcohol by law which was introduced in 2003, drinking on the streets is prohibited in Manchester and as such, if the event was not gated, we would be unable to allow people to drink alcohol outside the venues or when wandering round the event site.

Every year following Pride, we review how we can make the event better and safer for future years. In 2003, it was decided (in consultation with Greater Manchester Police, Manchester City Council and other organisations) that due to the popularity of Pride, systems were required to ensure that it remains safe for visitors. The only way that this could be achieved was by holding it as a gated event.

Why do we get charged to enter bars in the site, when we have already purchased a wristband?

Unfortunately this is something that is out of our control. We work closely with all of the venues located inside the Event site and we ask that bars do not charge an entrance fee during the Big Weekend; however this is something we cannot enforce. You don’t have to pay to go in all the bars.

There should be concession tickets for older people, people living with a disability or students

Whilst we would love to introduce concession tickets, there are some reasons why we have been unable to do this. In order for us to ensure that the system is not abused, anyone purchasing a concession ticket (as with most other major events) would have to provide proof, such as NUS Card.

As Manchester Pride does not have its own box office all-year-round, this would mean that all concessionary tickets would need to be collected from the box office on the Parade site. This would mean that we would need more staff to deal with all of this which in turn would mean a dramatic increase in costs.

We believe we counteract this by making tickets cheaper if you buy the early bird tickets. It doesn’t have to cost £20!

Volunteers did a fab job

Hear, hear! Our volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year, in helping deliver Manchester Pride. We have over a 100 volunteers each year who work in a variety of roles from Big Weekend Crew to Parade Stewards to VIP Bar Staff. All of whom give up time, not only over the Big Weekend but in the run up to the festival too. Volunteers from George House Trust and the Lesbian Gay Foundation help us relentlessly throughout the Big Weekend with wrist band exchange and the Vigil. None of the volunteers are paid for their work.

I would suggest more seated areas outdoors if possible

As many of you will have seen, Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend is an extremely popular event. The space that we occupy during the Big Weekend is very limited and at times most areas can be full to capacity, this unfortunately means that we are extremely limited on space for outdoor seating.

I wish the parade floats would put a little more effort into decorating the floats and not just a few balloons with huge banners advertising the company that they are working for.

We do encourage as much creativity as possible within the parade and we run creative workshops to try and provide groups with inspiration and assistance in creating their float. This year we have decided to give the Parade a theme, to help inspire groups to create outstanding, colourful entries.

Previously there were a couple of rides, which after a drink or two were even more fun! But, these have gone? Is there a reason or a way to bring them back?

We were sorry to lose the funfair rides but the capacity of the Event site was reduced a couple of years ago when we were no longer able to use the car park on the corner of Whitworth St and Princess St. This meant that we had to relocate the market area and this left us with very little space where we could SAFELY have some fair ground rides. We have undertaken a review of the site again for this year and we are hoping to be able to provide a funfair area, fingers crossed!

I think this year the main stage seemed to have long gaps between performances which was a little boring

We try to minimise quiet times on the stage as much as possible, but the bands need time to set up. Particularly on the Sunday as this is ‘Alternative/Bands Day’, therefore, significantly more setup time is required. We always try and fill any breaks between music with DJs and Presenters.

Acts/Celebrities/Events should be put on the website quicker and updated regularly

As Manchester Pride is a charity, we spend many months discussing contracts with potential performers. Many of these performers (including headliners) very kindly perform for free or a heavily reduced fee. As there are many large events taking place around Manchester Pride such as Leeds & Reading Festival, Edinburgh Festival and Creamfields, many of the acts are often in discussion with other promoters and often contracts are signed just a few weeks before the event. You know as soon as we do!

The Candlelit Vigil - it was a reminder of why Pride events are held

The Vigil has always been a significant part of the festival and something we are all very proud of. It really puts into perspective the reasons for our event and why our fundraising is so important.

Vigil should be outside wristband area...it shouldn't be something you have to pay to see.

You DO NOT have to pay to be part of the Vigil. Anyone wishing to attend is allowed access to Sackville Gardens from 8.30pm until the end of the Vigil without having to purchase a wristband. This has been the case for a number of years. However, we accept that this could perhaps have been better publicised. This year we are looking to make it much clearer to anyone wishing to attend the Vigil.

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