Charity – Manchester Pride

Everyone at Manchester Pride is passionate about celebrating and improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester and beyond.

He/Him

Mark Fletcher

Chief Executive Officer

Queer Manc man of colour. When I'm not glued to my desk writing strategies and reading proposals, I like to meet people who share my passion for pushing forward with positive social change. These days I’m more of a family man than a party boy. I choose kindness.

She/Her

Farhana Hemani

Head of Engagement

In between engaging with communities, corporates and organisations to work towards creating a more equal world, I'm a brand new mum to baby Idris, I'm a tea enthusiast and will seek out a bookshop in every new place I go. I also make a pretty serious Dahl.

He/Him

Michael Lever

Operations Director

When I have a break between preparing policies and attending H&S briefings, you’ll find me browsing for limited edition trainers. I’m an obsessive collector of ASICS Gel Lyte V. When I’m not hunting for the latest kicks, I can be found hunting out the best veggie food Manchester has to offer.

She/Her

Lizzy Holroyd

Senior Marketing & Communications Manager

I'm pretty good at spinning lots of plates, which is maybe why my specialist skill is creating tasty dishes from a fridge forage the day before a big shop. I’m happiest in my bubble, with my partner and our pet pug, Oscar. I love being outdoors and getting active; running, rock climbing and swimming in the sea.

She/Her

Cloe Gregson

Senior Events Manager

I’m Mancunian born and raised. I love dancing, especially at The White Hotel. When I’m not tearing up the dance floor myself, I’m curating and programming Manchester Pride’s events to ensure everyone has a great time at the Gay Village Party.

She/Her

Isobel Stainsbury

Engagement Manager

Yet to meet a hat that doesn't suit me, which is a good job because I wear many of them. When I’m not connecting with LGBTQ+ communities across Manchester; I’m a jazz singer, worm farmer, plant parent, coffee addict, clothing designer.

He/They

Christopher Owen

Inclusivity Development Manager

When not implementing a wide variety of queer liberation initiatives across Greater Manchester, I enjoy gentle walks along the canal with my boyfriend, and reading and writing children's fantasy and science fiction stories.

She/Her

Phoebe Woodall

Digital Content Producer

Neurodivergent Manchester creative and vegan junk food enthusiast. When I’m not creating content for Manchester Pride, I love printmaking, dancing and making music. I can often be found with my head buried in Mythology books, and buying pretty new books before I’ve read the ones I own.

She/Her

Amanda Emmerson

Sponsorships & Partnerships Manager

I roll into the office on my skateboard and spend my days working with vibrant brands and organisations who want to support the modern Pride movement. I also love to snowboard and surf (predictable, being from Los Angeles). I collect records that I love to look at and rarely play.

They/Them

Jaz Warzynska

Community Engagement Officer

Outside of working with a variety of queer communities in and out of Manchester I’m a keen potter, artist and birdwatcher. I can’t think of anything better than going to a Sunday market full of independent artists with my dog Mango on a sunny day.

He/Him

Freddie Borgman

Operations Coordinator

When I'm not streamlining administrative processes and engaging with stakeholders, I’m building on my (already extensive) wealth of useless historical knowledge. At the weekend, you can typically find me in Manchester’s humble charity shops, seeking out something special to wear to the Gay Village that evening.

They/Them

Chloe Southworth

Events Assistant

I have a vital role in supporting the events team to ensure we're able to put on wonderful events for our communities all year round. I love being part of a great queer office, but when I'm not working you'll find me watching musicals, organising my extensive earring collection, and going to gigs and queer events around Manchester.

He/Him

Naz Ali

Marketing Executive

I enjoy marketing at Manchester Pride because I’m always looking for a challenge and to try something new (it’s a Leo thing!). When I’ve not got my head deep in a design brief or communication strategy you’ll probably find me with my besties and my boyfriend thrifting, on the dance floor or in the Northern Quarter with an iced coffee in hand.

JOIN THE TEAM

Manchester Pride trustees share ultimate responsibility in the governance and direction of the charity.

He/Him

David McGovern

Chair

I am currently a Director in the NHS following a number of years working in a variety of senior positions across a sectors. I was the longest serving Chair of the LGBT foundation for 10 years up to 2016. I live with my husband Darren and love going to the theatre. I’m a proud Salfordian and currently a Deputy Lieutenant in Greater Manchester.

david@manchesterpride.com

He/Him

Mick Lawlor

Vice Chair

In my day job, I'm a lawyer and work around the world. I'm also an aspiring writer, love to travel and I'm a proud dog dad. I decided to join the Board after attending several Prides and hope to help the Charity increase its impact.

She/Her

Victoria Empson

Trustee

I am a barrister based in Manchester, often found very out of breath going up a hill in the Peak District. Having loved attending Manchester Pride Festival for many years prior, I joined the Board in March 2020 to get more involved and support both the year-round charity and the Festival into the future.

She/Her

Sharon Kinder (Pegg)

Trustee

I’m a determined HR professional specialising in Inclusion and Wellbeing. I’ve been a huge supporter of Manchester Pride from my days in Corporate life and have been a Trustee since 2021.

He/Him

Rajesh Joshi

Trustee

I help connect people, build relationships and advocate for change, leveraging the power of digital technologies. I am passionate about equity and inclusivity. Since adopting Manchester as my home in 2008, I've been part of the Manchester Pride celebration and joined the Trustee Board in 2016. I’m also a cat person.

She/Her

Temi Adebayo

Trustee

He/Him

Max Emmerson

Trustee

I’m a Creative Producer based in Manchester. I specialise in the development of new writing, LGBTQ+ work, Arts Council England funding, artist development and experience in producing musicals, plays & dance for UK touring, Edinburgh Fringe and international touring. I have been on the Board since 2017.

He/Him

Stephen Bowen

Trustee

I’m a Human Rights advocate, lawyer and academic. I’m also a global Pride enthusiast which is why I joined the Manchester Pride Board of Trustees.

If you can't find an answer to your question, why not take a look at our full FAQs or get in touch.

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When does Manchester Pride Festival take place?

The Manchester Pride Festival 2023 takes place from 25th - 28th August.

How much money from every Manchester Pride Festival ticket goes towards the Community Fund?

£2.50 from every pledge band purchased goes directly to the Manchester Pride Community Fund to help LGBTQ+ good causes in Greater Manchester.

Do I have to pay to enter the Gay Village over Manchester Pride Festival?

Manchester Pride Festival offers a packed programme of events over the August Bank Holiday weekend, such as the Superbia Weekend, Youth Pride MCR, Family Pride MCR, the Parade, the Human Rights Forum and more, all of these are free with the exception of the Gay Village Party which is ticketed.

Manchester Pride is a charity and the cost of a Gay Village Party ticket helps Manchester Pride deliver a safe, community pride celebration. You can see how every penny of your ticket is spent by heading to our website, and remember that every ticket includes a £2.50 ring-fenced donation to Manchester Pride Community Fund.

Plus we've programmed an incredible day of entertainment at the Gay Village Party on Monday 28 August which is FREE to attend, you'll just need to make the £2.50 donation to the Manchester Pride Community Fund.

Manchester Pride holds licenses to host celebrations in certain areas of the Gay Village, and your Gay Village Party ticket includes access to these stages and programmed areas including Sackville Gardens, MancUnity Stage and the Cabaret Stage.

How can I apply to take part in the Parade?

Applications are not currently open, but those wishing to take part in the Parade can complete this expression of interest form.

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