Over 50,000 people attended the procession (they're not calling it a 'parade' and so far they've already raised £115,000.
Click below to read the official press blurb from the organisers and to post a comment if you were there.
Last night (29/08/05), LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) and HIV organizations across the North West were celebrating as Manchester Pride 2005 came to a successful conclusion, raising over £115,000 (and still counting!) for LGBT and HIV charities in the region.
Representatives from the North West’s LGBT, Community, and Business spectrum were commenting last night on a fantastically successful Manchester Pride 2005. Raising over £115,000 and counting for charity, the event is being hailed by all of those involved as a great success, and, according to organizers, the biggest Pride ever.
The Key 103 Manchester Pride Parade broke all previous records this year, featuring over 78 floats in a huge procession that wound its’ way through Manchester City Centre, watched by an estimated 50,000 people. The Big Weekend saw another massive boost in attendance, with ticket sales before and during the Big Weekend up 50% on the previous year, raising what is hoped to be more money than ever for good causes. The first ever PrideGames saw teams from across the world participate in a variety of sports and athletic disciplines, promoting equality and diversity in sport.
The event was officially closed last night (29/08/05) by the HIV Candlelit Vigil, remembering those whose lives have been affected by the HIV virus, and concluded ten days and nights of partying, parade, debate, film, arts, entertainment, and sport.
Councillors Paul Fairweather and Mary Murphy , lead councilors on Gay Mens’ and Lesbian issues, issues in Manchester, commented: “"We are delighted that Pride went so well. It was a great success, and it is wonderful that so many people turned out to watch the stunning parade and support Operation Fundraiser. We anticipate an even better Pride 2006.”
Andrew Stokes, Chief Executive of Marketing Manchester and Manchester Pride Chairman, also said: “Manchester Pride 2005 was a tremendous success - a great ten days of celebration culminated in the fantastic Big Weekend. Over 40,000 people paid to be part of the celebration, with £115,000 raised for charity and still counting.”
“Reports from Greater Manchester Police confirm that Manchester Pride 2005 was also one of the most peaceful to date. Manchester Pride attracts a significant number of international visitors, which is a credit to the event, and to the City of Manchester. We are delighted with this year’s success and look forward to next year.”
Emma Peate, Operation Fundraiser Project Manager, noted: “This year’s Pride has been the best ever! We’re still counting all of the monies raised over the bank holiday weekend and the total at the moment stands at £115,000 and rising. Yet again, Manchester has put on a fantastic celebration of LGBT life and raised much needed resources for LGBT and HIV charities.”
“I’d like to thank everyone who came to the Big Weekend, bought their ticket, and donated to Operation Fundraiser. Your money will go a long way towards helping improve services for LGBT people and those affected by HIV/Aids in Manchester. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you next year.”
Phil Burke, Chair of the Village Business Association (VBA), commented: “Myself and the Village Business Association would like to thank Manchester City Council, City Centre Management, Greater Manchester Police Operational unit including Inspector Ann Walker, Sgt Tim Whittaker and Pc Darren Haslam, Pride Directors Claire Turner, Steph Kay, Nigel-Martin Smith, Richard Nuttall and all the staff at Marketing Manchester, Jon Drape's Ear to the Ground, Nine Lives Productions, Operation Fundraiser and Impact Media PR for their help and support in the past twelve months in planning for this year’s Pride weekend, and a special thanks must go to all the volunteers for giving their time free.”
“We must also thank all of the sponsors in this years Pride Event, with well over 45,000 tickets sold, and over 78 Floats in the parade, makes Manchester Pride the best outdoor LGBT event in Europe.”
Ann Walker, Events and Projects Manager for Greater Manchester Police, said: “From a Policing point of view, we’ve been extremely pleased with Manchester Pride 2005 – We believe that this year’s event has been one of the most successful, with no serious incidents, and only a handful of arrests for petty theft and minor public order offences. We’re extremely pleased, and look forward to welcoming Manchester Pride back to the city’s streets in 2006.”
And lastly, Claire Turner, Festival Director for Manchester Pride, summed up by saying: “As this is my last Pride as Festival Director, I’m happy to say that this one has gone out with a bang! I’m really pleased with how the celebration went, and I firmly believe we’ve maintained our position as one of Europe ’s best LGBT festivals nicely.”
“It was an amazing delight to see all of the thousands who came out to support the parade, and came to the Big Weekend in support of Operation Fundraiser, and hopefully our total as it is counted over the next few days, will surpass that of 2004 easily! My appreciation goes out to all of those who helped make this one of the best Prides ever. Thank you.”
If you didn’t get a chance to make it to this year’s truly bumper Manchester Pride, don’t worry! You can still do your bit, by making a donation to Operation Fundraiser, the charity that helps to support a range of LGBT and HIV organizations across the North West, by visiting www.operationfundraiser.com or popping your change into the Operation Fundraiser buckets and tins located across the Gay Village.
