I'd like to wish everyone that will be attending the Pride celebrations of Manchester this weekend lots of fun and enjoyment. This year attracting stars like Pixie Lott, Pan Amm and Blue and many other names probably from the entertainment business. A personal message of surrport for the event has been expressed on the Pride site by the leaders the UK's political parties. It is no secret that the event certainly generates a fair amount of income (around £80 million between 2003-2006 alone) to the capital and it appears that the Manchester tourist board benefit from this as well as they are partly involved in its production. But there are those that are asking about exactly how much is actually being donated to the charities that seeks to serve.
In fact its name (Carnival of Fun, Mardi Gras, GayFest, Manchester Europride and Manchester Pride) has not only changed over the years but also it's organisation as well. Initially humble beginnings in 1990 run by the 'Village Charity' to today organised and produced by Manchester Pride Ltd, and there are those that question whether much more has been raised for charities that the organisers claim to help since the introduction of ticket pricing for those attending the post parade celebrations such as the gay village's pubs and clubs and concert and entertainment areas (where most of the post parade celebrations takes place).
The ticket price this year will range from £20 to £25 pounds and then one would also want to add the door entry fees of £10-30 per night to enter some of the villages gay and straight friendly 'exclusive' clubs and that's before you've bought a drink (which some people believe to be increased also in price).
So those wishing to spend their un-recession hit 'Pink Pound' could quite easily be spending over a £100 plus per day. In fact not surprisingly there are young people, families, and individuals within the (LGBT & heterosexual community that see it increasingly commercialised and unaffordable.
g7uk.com has a web page entitled "manchester-pride-investigation" and it makes an interesting read and raises some interesting figures and questions as to how much is actually being raised for charity.
This year the organisers the Manchester Pride website included a breakdown of how much money has been donated in 2010 (and previous years).
To celebrate it's 21st anniversary cast of the TV show Shameless among others were involved in the short film commissioned by Manchester Pride over 19 -29 August 2011 (see below).
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