Written by Joseph Charlton, Founder of Planit Events
Like so many of us, I’m devastated by the news about Manchester Pride closing its doors.
We’re all asking the same questions.
What really happened?
Why were certain decisions made?
And where did the money go?
I actually applied recently to be a trustee, because I noticed there didn’t appear to be an event professional on the board. Yet the charity’s biggest moment each year is a major event, one that means so much to Manchester’s culture, economy and community.
The last financial update, filed in September 2024 for the year ending December 2023, showed a deficit of nearly £500,000 (£467k to be exact).
Then in March this year, the charity announced a significant new event and venue for its 2025 return, a Mardi Gras-style Pride at Depot Mayfield.
A bold move for an organisation already in financial trouble.
In that position, the first move should’ve been spend control, not booking bigger artists or ramping up production.
It should’ve been about bringing the community in, understanding the landscape, and making the hard calls to steady the ship.
That’s where trustees should’ve stepped in.
Pride’s organisers have cited rising costs, falling ticket sales and an unsuccessful bid to host EuroPride as key factors, but honestly, it feels deeper than that.
If anything, this highlights how crucial transparency, governance and real event strategy are when you’re stewarding something built by a community.
It was evident this was lacking in how it’s been handled.
Events are so often a force for good. For connection, jobs and pride (literally).
We just need to run them better.
I guess one thing we can take as a silver lining, there is an audience a community who wants to support Pride, and we now have a chance to start again.
If it were me on reflection here’s how I’d have tackled it after getting under the problem:
1. Budget: Define the gap clearly what’s the threat, what can be reduced, and how do we soften the impact?
2. Crisis campaign: Rally the city. Build a community-led Save Manchester Pride movement, mobilise charity supporters, partners and local businesses.
3. Governance review: Reassess decision-makers and make internal structural changes if needed.
About Planit Events
Planit is a creative event agency based in Manchester, known for crafting experiences that are strategic, human-led and unforgettable. From internal communications to brand activations, Planit partners with clients to bring bold ideas to life through moments that matter.
