Our favorite pride of the year!

Don't believe the hype. Only about 35,000-40,000 tickets are sold each year and the BBC reports 'tens of thousands' at the Saturday parade, many of whom are also people who have bought tickets. The parade route is only about 2,500 yards on fairly narrow streets. Just 12% of income from tickets and collections went to charity in 2007. That was £95,00 out of income of £803,000. In 2006 only £65,000 went to good causes. In the early 90's they were raising £65,000 from free events.

I have been a supporter of Manchester Pride for many years. Given the cost has gone up again this year I decided not to buy tickets in advance in case it was raining. Excited by the good weather I went to watch the Parade which was excellent this year. Then on to the Village. Unfortunately not so great. A totally chaotic cuing system for the second year running which for the price of £18:00 entry is quite frankly inexcusable. I decided to abandon and will just have to miss out this year which is a shame, but at least I won’t feel like I’m being totally ripped off!! I Went to Vienna Pride this year. Really good fun & 100% free!! I’d be grateful if someone can enlighten me on the amount raised for charity also, which is approx £125,000. £18.00 x approx 200,000 people that attend = 3’6 Million (plus some sponsorship money) so where does the 3’5 Million or so get spent? (obviously not on well organised pay & entrance facilities).

Is it a Fri/Sat/Sun night weekend? Or just Sat/Sun? What are the big nights out?