£34,000 Raised For Local LGBT Charities By Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride is to distribute £34,000 to local LGBT charities following its events staged in 2013 including the August Bank Holiday Big Weekend.

The amount, which includes 100% of direct donations from the ring-fenced Community Fund, is lower than in previous years. The charity described it as “disappointing” confirming that it has launched a plan to boost future fundraising.

A small decline in ticket sales and a move towards buying one-day rather than full four-day wristbands were the main reasons behind the reduced fundraising.

To counter this trend, which began in 2012, the Board began a programme of measures including reducing costs that delivered savings of over £60,000 in the delivery of Big Weekend event compared to 2011.

“As a charity, we exist to campaign for, promote and celebrate LGBT life.” said Vicken Couligian, Chair of Manchester Pride.

“Our Parade, Pride Fringe arts festival and the Big Weekend successfully achieve this but over the last two years, fundraising levels have been disappointing.

“That’s why we are taking action to boost fundraising next year and beyond. We have a clear plan in place that will provide a bright future for the festival.

“Preparations for the 2014 festival have already started. It will take place on August bank holiday in Manchester’s Gay Village.”

The three part plan to boost fundraising focuses on:

- Reviewing the existing events to reduce costs significantly without compromising the quality of our events

- Accelerating the introduction of additional fundraising activity throughout the year

- Consulting with all our stakeholders, from the community to the City Council to Village businesses to shape Manchester Pride’s future direction together.

Work has already started and a full financial review is being carried out by one of Manchester Pride’s new trustees with relevant, specialist skills.

Manchester Pride has also launched Supersonic: Mach 2, a fundraising event that will be held underneath the wings of Concorde at Manchester Airport on Friday 11th April.

Other new events are also planned during 2014. The charity has also confirmed that it will hold listening groups from January across a variety of locations including in the City Centre.

It will also launch an online survey that will be promoted when the Supersonic: Mach 2 fundraiser tickets go on sale on 22 November.

Further details will be reported throughout the year in the build up to Manchester Pride’s main festival in August 2014.