Manchester Pride Headliner Still Awaiting Payment as Performers Voice Frustration

Manchester Pride — one of the UK’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ festivals — is facing mounting criticism after it emerged that at least one of its headline performers has yet to receive payment for their appearance at this year’s event.

The festival, which took place at the end of August, has long been regarded as a flagship moment in the UK’s Pride calendar. Yet, behind the glitter and celebration, frustration is growing among performers, freelancers, and suppliers who say their requests for payment have been met with “silence and confusion.”

According to multiple accounts, including that of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Saki Yew, a number of artists and small businesses are still waiting for overdue fees — with one major headliner reportedly among those unpaid.

“It’s Gone Too Far” — Performers Left in the Dark

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Saki Yew expressed anger and disappointment over the lack of communication from Manchester Pride organisers.

“As performers, we’re used to waiting for money,” Saki said. “But there’s been no communication, no answers. It’s gone too far.”

Saki, who performed as part of a drag collective during the festival’s August weekend, said the group is owed a “big sum of money” and that weeks of preparation and rehearsals had gone into their performance.

“We put in the hard work, we rehearsed for weeks, and we delivered. The least we expect is an answer — or better yet, payment,” Saki added.

The drag performer explained that in the entertainment industry, payment typically arrives within two weeks of a show. However, nearly two months after the event, Saki says there has been “nothing but silence.”

Suppliers and Crew Also Owed Thousands

It’s not just the performers who are frustrated. Several local suppliers and freelance workers have also claimed that they have not received their fees from the not-for-profit charity that organises Manchester Pride.

Chris O’Connor, a sole trader who worked backstage at this year’s event, told Newsbeat he has taken the matter to a small claims court after being left out of pocket.

“I’m owed £2,050,” Chris said. “I couldn’t afford a planned trip to visit my son in Ireland because Manchester Pride didn’t pay me when they should have. I’ve had no clear updates, no apology — just uncertainty.”

Another supplier, who wished to remain anonymous, said their signage company provided services worth nearly £1,000 and has “no expectation” of receiving the money.

“We’ve chased repeatedly but have had no response,” the supplier said. “It’s incredibly disappointing. Pride events are supposed to be about community and respect — but we’ve been left ignored.”

Headliners Included Nelly Furtado, Leigh-Anne and Olly Alexander

This year’s Manchester Pride featured a star-studded line-up, with performances from Nelly Furtado, former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne, and Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander.

The event drew tens of thousands of attendees over the four-day weekend, making it one of the largest Pride celebrations in Europe. Only the London and Brighton events typically attract larger crowds.

Manchester Pride’s Village Party and Gay Village stages are known for blending world-class music with queer artistry, creating a vibrant space of visibility and joy. However, that celebration has now been overshadowed by growing concerns about the festival’s financial management and accountability.

Ticket Prices and Charity Role

Manchester Pride operates as an independent charity. While parts of the event — such as the parade and community gatherings — are free, other segments, including the main stage performances, are ticketed.

Tickets this year ranged from £15 for general admission to more than £200 for premium VIP experiences. The event also raises significant sums for LGBTQ+ charities and grassroots organisations, although questions are now being raised about where the money has gone.

The charity previously stated that its mission is to support LGBTQ+ causes, promote inclusion, and fund local initiatives through money raised at the annual festival. But for many performers and businesses, unpaid invoices have called those commitments into question.

Manchester Pride Responds

After being approached by the BBC for comment, Manchester Pride issued a brief statement on Instagram, acknowledging the situation and urging the public to remain patient.

“We are currently taking legal and financial advice to determine the best way forward,” the statement read.
“We understand moments like this can raise questions and emotions. We ask that people treat our staff — from the CEO to interns and volunteers — with kindness and respect.”

The organisation added that the board of trustees holds ultimate responsibility for decision-making, not the staff, and promised an update by 22 October.

However, for many who are owed money, that assurance offers little comfort. Several performers and crew members say they have already begun exploring legal avenues to recover unpaid fees.

Growing Concern in the Creative Community

Manchester Pride’s alleged non-payments have sparked concern across the UK’s wider creative and LGBTQ+ communities. Drag artists, musicians, and independent contractors have taken to social media to share similar experiences, expressing disappointment that a charity event rooted in equality and respect could leave so many contributors unpaid.

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have also urged transparency. Robbie de Santos, a representative for LGBTQ+ performers’ rights, said the controversy highlights a recurring issue in the entertainment sector:

“Many queer and independent performers rely on events like Pride not only for income but for visibility. When payments are delayed or withheld, it undermines the trust between organisers and the very community they claim to serve.”

A Tarnish on an Iconic Legacy

Manchester Pride has been a staple of the UK’s Pride movement since the late 1980s, celebrating diversity, activism, and unity. The festival’s parade, candlelight vigil, and live performances have long symbolised the strength of the LGBTQ+ community.

But this latest controversy risks damaging that legacy. For artists like Saki Yew and others still waiting to be paid, the issue is about more than money — it’s about fairness, respect, and keeping promises made to the very people who bring Pride to life.

“Pride should be about supporting queer artists,” Saki said. “We showed up for them — now they need to show up for us.”

With Manchester Pride pledging to release further details by October 22, all eyes are now on the charity to provide clarity — and to make good on its debts before its reputation takes a lasting hit.

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