Your Pride views

Following our recent series of articles from Geoff Stafford,John Stewart and The Village Business Association,we wanted to follow up with some of your views expressed over the last few weeks.

And here they are...

"Why is that the police charge for the pride event anyway? They do not charge football clubs for policing their events and they police them as much as twice a week, its seems a bit hypocritical in the least".Paul Fox..

"I've always been a keen supporter of the Manchester Pride, but also have been a bit embarrassed about how little money it raises, given the volume spent by the attendees.  I think that it has been largely down to not understanding the costs fully, however that aside, It should be made clear what percentage of the ticket price when people are paying for their tickets will go to pride. 

One way of ensuring that ticket money would go to direct to the fundraising pot, it to put an option when purchasing the ticket for an additional voluntary donation. Then the decision would be in the people choice of how much they want to contribute, and this would help move away from the nasty back lash that has arisen this year, as the responsibility would be with the attendees, rather than the committee.

Another element which I struggle to understand from MCC is in comparison to other major events such as other protests, government party conferences, the day parade, etc, where Pride sits with the percentages of costs that it finances, is it more or less?  I would like to think that these are all on the same level." John Doyle..

"I USED TO BE A FREQUENT VISITOR TO CANAL STREET BETWEEN 2004-2009 AND WATCHED IT GO DOWN HILL
THE MOST OFFPUTTING THING IS THE BAR STAFF BEHAVIOUR IN SUM OF THE VENUES MAINLY
UNION/MANTO/QUEER USUALLY PART TIME STUDENTS. SERVING PEOPLE INFRONT OF YOU DESPITE BEING QUITE CLEARLY NEXT TO BE SERVED. QUEER BAR  STAFF CRASHING EMPTY BOTTLES SO LOUD YOU CANT HERE
YOURSELF TALK. NO ACTION TAKEN WHEN CHAVS COME IN CAUSING TROUBLE.IN MOST OF THE VENUES
DURING DAY TIME.THEY ONLY SEEM TO HAVE DOOR STAFF EVENINGS." David Alton..

"I wish people would stop moaning about Manchester Pride's ticketing and security fencing policy. I remember when there were no fences and donations were collected on entry to bars etc. It was a nightmare. Scrotes roamed the area selling cheap booze which led to 'turf wars' amongst them and the whole atmosphere turned sour and threatening.
Donations were so poor that they amounted to less than £1.30 per person. That's shameful.
Yes the fencing means some people are not allowed in, but atleast those inside can feel safe and the Pride Organisers are not left with a huge loss.
Buy an early bird ticket for £12 or so and that's what I call a bargain.
If anything, I would be asking does Manchester City council support Pride as much as it does the other festivals and if not why not.
I congratulate those who work for Pride and their volunteers. £50k for charity is amazing."
Gary Hardman

"Yes, we should pay... the pricing is immensely cheap in comparison to other events and its our chance to contribute to a good cause whilst having fun in an environment that is safe for us to be what you wanna be..  I came out in 2011 after a 18 yr hetro relationship with kids... Last year was my first year for pride and I went VIP all the way...best pounds spent in years... Canal St should not just be a place where ppl hitch a ride to have a taste of the scene..it is a community where we can be safe and enjoy ourselves..and like all communities they only succeed on the people within them...I'm looking at ways I can do more for pride, cos to be honest 50k is pants... simple things If we all donate just a pound over the period we would have doubled that easily...come on guys and gals..the entry fee pays for the facilities..the clubs cash in to try and sustain a village all year round for our safety and pleasure..so what are we doing.. if we are going to be Proud...lets be proud and stand up and be counted...and stop moaning that the acts where not the latest superstars and the rain made our hair wet... Its the Pride to be in that community that counts...and that does not carry a price tag...its all free"...Danny H

Thanks to all the above for their contribution.The debate will undoubtedly continue..As ever,if you have a view,then please let us know at RESPOND@CANAL-ST.CO.UK

Published: 31-Jan-2013: (1715)