The £20 price tag to enter the closed off streets surounding the Gay Village of Canal Street. Did not put off the majority of the gay community to attend this years 4 day event. It has been argued from some quarters of the gay community that the success financially of the event is only seen as a profit profit making excercise. But the true reality is overheads to organise such a red taped event cost organisers and it looks like the gay community are prepared to make their contribution. It would be great to have a free event but who would pay these costs? Security has to be paid for, waste managed, insurance and staff to be employed. All add up to a costly event. Profit to cover these expenses allow the event to become reality. Funding for gay charitities and support agencies may look as if they get a raw deal. However small the contribution to good causes it is better than nothing at all.

GTR investigates the proportion of funding received by charities from this event and how this can be improved for the future.

In 2007 £95,000 was raised in four key LGBT areas.

Free condom & lube scheme, HIV welfare fund, Grants for LGBT groups and agencies supporting people living with AIDS. Let us hope the 2008 can beat this figure.

First impressions:

My first visit to Manchester to discover its 18th Pride festival. Traveling 200 miles to attend the 4 day event at the heart of the city of Manchester. After checking into a budget hotel a stone throw away from Canal Street. For £40 per night including full english breakfast a single room at the Manchester International Hotel was a bargain. Shared toilet and shower was the only compromise, They delivered a clean with character deco.

Time for food rather than eat on the move our group decided on the Italian Restaurant on Canal street Villaggio. Service was excellent but the food was bland in a party of 5 no one enjoyed their meals. Will be avoiding this restaurant in future.

The best places to eat in were outside the village at the Printworks near the Arndale centre. Plenty of choice of National brands. Avoid Old Orleans they messed up our order served our main courses before their starters. Food was cold had to complain. Chiquito was the best for service and quality food.

2007 Financial Overview

Income : £803,000

From
* Ticket sales
* Trading & activity
* Sponsorship
* Business contributions
* Grants
* Donations

Expenditure : £708,000

* Safety
* Production
* Operational
* Irrecoverable VAT
* Overheads
* Marketing & entertainment
* Parade
* Professional fees
* Site and licenses
* Operating costs 2008

Safety: Security, stewarding, policing, first aid, emergency services
Production: Stages, marquees, sound, lights, transport & equipment
Operational: Cleansing, toilets, waste, fencing, road closures, signage.
Overheads: Salaries, rent, rates, office costs
Professional fees Legal, finance, insurance, tax, audit
Operating costs 2008 Start up costs for Manchester Pride 2008

Operating surplus : £95,000
1. LGF Free Condoms & Lube Scheme
2. GHT HIV Welfare Fund
3. Manchester Pride Community Fund 1
4. Manchester Pride HIV/AIDS Fund 2

1 Administered by the Lesbian and Gay Foundation providing grants to LGBT charities and groups in Greater Manchester

2 Funding awards for organisations who provide services for people living with HIV