A price freeze on Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend tickets is just a ‘drop in the ocean’ according to campaigners who believe more needs to be done to tackle costs.
Tickets for the four-day centre piece of the festival will be available at £16, the same price as they were in 2013, for a limited period starting on Friday.
But the campaign group Facts About Manchester Pride (FAMP) are adamant that there are more ways to cut costs that aren’t being passed on to consumers.
“Any extra concession is welcome but it’s a drop in the ocean in terms of what Manchester Pride should be doing,” they told MM.
“The board should be tackling costs and the form the weekend takes.”
The festival is in its 24th year and, as usual, the Big Weekend will offer a range of entertainment from August 22-25.
However, FAMP have concerns about the early bird scheme which has seen the period that the tickets are offered for decrease over the years.
“In 2005, early bird tickets were available until August 22 (four days before the event started),” they continued.
“However, the following year only until July 17 (six weeks before). By 2010 that deadline had been extended back even further with early bird tickets only available until July 1.
“This shows how the cost to the public has been sneaked up over the years.”
This year the offer period runs from January 31 to February 28 and after this time the price will rise to £20.
FAMP added: “It makes it difficult for people who don’t know their work pattern 6-8 weeks ahead and perversely many of them will be the low-paid workers who may struggle to buy a full-price ticket.”
Meanwhile Director of Manchester Pride, Mark Fletcher, said he was delighted that the organisation could offer the deal so far ahead of the event.
“We’re really pleased to be able to offer Big Weekend tickets for sale as early as January this year and to offer them at last year’s lowest price,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to another successful programme of activities for Manchester Pride 2014 and urge visitors not to miss out on this special price, undoubtedly a great rate for our iconic four day celebration of LGBT life.”
Image courtesy of pimlico badger , with thanks
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