Manchester Pride’s festival director steps down

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The director of Manchester Pride, Jackie Crozier, has announced she will leave her role.

Ms Crozier announced today she would step down after six years with the event, although she will leave once a replacement has been found.

This month, Manchester Pride will celebrate its 21st year.

Ms Crozier said: “I’ve been involved with Manchester Pride for six years and remain as passionate about it today as I was in 2005.

“This is our 21st anniversary and I am hopeful that this is the year that we’ll see the amount we have raised for charity top the million pound mark. It feels like the right time for me to make the tough decision to leave Manchester Pride.

“It’s been a huge part of my life and I’ve worked with some wonderful people. Together we’ve created one of the most successful Prides in Europe that consistently raises six figure amounts for charity every year. That’s a proud legacy for me to pass on and I am looking forward to seeing Manchester Pride’s successful evolution.”

Vicken Couligan, chairman of Manchester Pride, said: “She has consistently created a spectacular annual event that supports lots of fantastic causes and one that we are all hugely proud of. We are very sorry to lose her but it’s clear that Jackie has thought this through and she leaves the organisation in a strong position for the future.”

Tim Sigworth, chief executive of the Albert Kennedy Trust, said Ms Crozier had made the festival a “phenomenal success and a leader amongst Prides around the country”.

This year’s festival has a parade theme of ‘Best of British’.

Pixie Lott, Blue and The Sugababes are among the acts set to perform.