TL;DR
- Manchester Village Pride signs a landmark agreement with Equity.
- The agreement ensures pay and safety for drag performers.
- It aims to rebuild trust after the previous Pride’s liquidation.
- Performers will have support throughout the 2026 festival.
- This sets a precedent for future Pride events.
In a fabulous twist of fate, Manchester Village Pride has just secured a game-changing agreement with the entertainment trade union Equity, promising stability and protection for drag performers ahead of the much-anticipated 2026 celebrations. After the original Manchester Pride organization went belly-up in 2025 due to financial woes, this new agreement is a beacon of hope for the queens and kings who light up the Gay Village.
As the summer bank holiday weekend approaches, from August 28 to 31, the newly formed Community Interest Company is ready to strut its stuff. And guess what? Equity has guaranteed pay, health, and safety standards for all drag and burlesque performers at this year’s festival. Talk about a royal treatment!
Equity’s north west official, Karen Lockney, couldn’t hide her excitement, stating, “We are delighted to sign this landmark union agreement with Manchester Village Pride.” This agreement is not just a piece of paper; it’s a revolutionary step that intertwines LGBTQ+ rights with workers’ rights, ensuring that performers are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Lockney emphasized the importance of this agreement, saying, “Signing a union agreement helps rebuild performers’ trust after Manchester Pride went into liquidation last year.” And let’s be real, trust is everything in the world of drag. One of the queens who faced the brunt of the previous management’s failures, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Zahirah Zapanta, famously called out the former Manchester Pride for not paying her for her performances. Now, with Equity on board, performers can strut their stuff without the fear of being left high and dry.
Equity has pledged that members of the entertainment union will be on standby throughout the festival, ensuring that the terms and conditions are met, not just for 2026, but aiming to set the stage for 2027 and beyond. This proactive approach is a breath of fresh air in an industry that desperately needs it.
But Manchester Village Pride isn’t alone in this movement. Other major cities across the UK are also making strides to improve their Pride approaches. Just recently, Pride in London saw a shake-up in leadership, with former CEO Christopher Joell-Deshields being ousted over alleged misconduct. Interim CEO Rebecca Paisis has stepped in, vowing to uphold the celebration’s promises to stakeholders and volunteers. “We stand for unity, visibility, and equality for all,” she stated, echoing the sentiments that are at the heart of every Pride event.
With Manchester Village Pride leading the charge, this agreement not only sets a precedent for future Pride events but also reinforces the notion that a celebration of LGBTQ+ rights must be tied to the rights of those who bring the festivities to life. Cheers to a future where drag performers can shine brightly, knowing their rights are protected and their voices are heard!