Fatt Projects to hold fundraiser event in the wake of Manchester Pride insolvency

Birmingham-based queer non-profit, Fatt Projects, is hosting ‘The Big Bastard Bonanza’ fundraiser to recoup money in the wake Manchester Pride’s insolvency. The recent news has left countless freelance artists, performers and suppliers out of pocket after not being paid by the organisation for work on this year’s Pride event, with Fatt Projects among them, owed almost £3K.

Fatt Butcher: Congregational Project

Fatt Projects, run by Adam Carver also known by their drag persona Fatt Butcher, is responsible for countless events and activities in the Midlands region and wider UK including: Send in the Clowns, the Full Fatt Sound Choir, MOBILSE, EHRC-U-Next-Tuesday, a Trans Mutual Joy Grant, Big Fatt Pool Party, and many more projects.

They are also the organiser of Ginny Lemon’s Dog Show; an event that takes place during Manchester Pride for which they are responsible for booking and paying artists involved. Acting with a “priority to pay any artists and freelancers we work with as quickly as possible”, Fatt Projects had paid invoices before receiving payment from Manchester Pride. As a result, when Manchester Pride announced voluntary liquidation, Fatt Projects was left £2,775 down, which it is unlikely they will be able to recover through the insolvency process. The money they are owed covers rent of their office space (used to store sets, costumes and equipment), insurance, accountant fees, electricity, WIFI, equipment, and all the basic things needed to keep the company going.

Faced with a difficult position, Fatt Projects have therefore planned a fundraiser event at The Village Inn, Birmingham on Sunday 30^th November from 5pm. The Big Bastard Bonanza is a one-night-only cabaret, drag and comedy community event featuring a fabulous line-up of local performers and Birmingham talent who have donated their time and talents. The line-up includes comedian Joe Lycett; Drag Race UK’s Black Peppa; voguing and waaking dancer Eric Scutaro; and the entire Send in the Clowns ensemble: Alanna Boden, Blü Romantic, Dahliah Rivers and Fatt Butcher. Also on the line-up are: storyteller, Adaya Henry; drag performers Blanche, Cake Boi, and Pork Pie; and DJ, Just Soriah.

Tickets cost just £10, and for those who are able and want to there are also an options to donate to the cause, or purchase a ‘with you in spirit’ tickets, if you can’t attend but still want to contribute. Any money raised over than the £2,775 need by Fatt Projects will be donated to support other artists and freelancers impacted by Manchester Pride's insolvency.