The Village Licenced Business Association (VLBA) which represents businesses in the Gay Village has confirmed its support for Manchester Pride’s commitment to ensuring a safe experience for all visitors to this years Manchester Pride Festival. 

Phil Burke, Chair of the VLBA said: “The VLBA has been working closely with Manchester Pride over the last few months and members voted to support their proposed safety policy. Village venues undertaking private events during the Manchester Pride Festival, from Friday 26th to Monday 29th August 2022, will not admit any member of the public unless they can show a valid Pledge Band.”

Mark Fletcher, CEO at Manchester Pride said: “We are delighted with the support that the VLBA has given us. They are helping us to succeed in our commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable festival.”

Mark Fletcher added, “The safety of our communities is our first priority and we’ve created and resourced our safety policy in collaboration with the businesses and venues within the Gay Village as well as Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police and a host of other responsible authorities. Whilst we encourage the purchase of Pledge Bands to support our communities and deliver a safe Gay Village Party, Manchester Pride will honour people’s right to access the site and expect everyone to adhere to this safety policy.”

Manchester Pride’s dedicated Community Safety Task Force includes representation from LGBT Foundation, Village Angels, St John Ambulance, MANchester DRug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE), specialist stewarding and security contractors, a security manager, a gates supervisor and a number of other community member representatives.

A fixed donation of £2.50 from every Pledge Band ticket will go directly to the Manchester Pride Community Fund with the remainder contributing towards the cost of putting on a safe Festival. 

For further information please contact pride@tigerbond.com