Festival Director Pride

JACKIE CROZIER STEPS DOWN FROM HER POSITION AS FESTIVAL DIRECTOR OF MANCHESTER PRIDE

Manchester Pride has today confirmed that this year’s 21st birthday celebrations will be the last with its popular Festival Director, Jackie Crozier, at the helm. Jackie, who has decided to step down, has kindly agreed to continue in her role until her replacement is appointed and to help out with the handover.

Jackie is still totally focused on 2011’s festivities, which start this Friday 19th August with the beginning of the Pride Fringe and culminating with the Big Weekend over the August bank holiday weekend.
 
"I've been involved with Manchester Pride for six years and remain as passionate about it today as I was in 2005", said Jackie. "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, paid tribute to Jackie today, saying: "On behalf of the trustees and the LGBT community, I'd like to thank Jackie for her tireless work and commitment to Manchester Pride over the last six years. 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: “I had the pleasure of recruiting Jackie Crozier to the post of Festival Coordinator in 2005.  At interview I saw a dynamic, passionate and talented person who I knew would ensure Pride flourished: she has far exceeded my expectations for her.  As Festival Director, supported by staff, volunteers and the Board of Pride she has made the festival a phenomenal success and a leader amongst Prides around the country, with her innovative approach.  A shrewd businesswoman, a creative events organizer and a really lovely person: I am very proud of her and Manchester should be extremely proud of her too!”

The process to recruit a new festival director will start later this year led by Manchester Pride's Board of Trustees.

Despite Jackie's decision to move on, she and the Manchester Pride team will spend the next two weeks concentrating on making sure that this year's festival will be the best yet and truly one to remember.

Published: 19-Aug-2011: (762)