Mardi Gras called off 'because police are homophobic'

Organisers of Manchester's gay Mardi Gras have scrapped this year's event in protest at what they call a "homophobic" police decision to limit its size. More than 100,000 people were expected at the biggest gay festival in Europe over the August bank holiday weekend but organisers said police plans risked causing a "disaster of Hillsborough proportions".

They had been negotiating for three weeks with officers over the extent of an alcohol tolerance zone, where the city's ban on street drinking would be lifted. The ban was introduced in central Manchester in 2000 but an exception was granted to most of the city's gay quarter at last year's Mardi Gras.

Because of overcrowding last year, police limited the tolerance zone to the centre of the gay village in Canal Street for this year's festival. The Village Business Association (VBA), which was organising this year's festival, said restricting the zone to Canal Street increased the danger of overcrowding. A statement said: "Due to the enormous numbers historically attracted to the gay village for Mardi Gras, the prospect of cramming thousands of revellers on to Canal Street was simply unsafe and could have led to a disaster of Hillsborough proportions."

John Hamilton, the association's chairman, said other festivals in Manchester attracted fewer people but were given larger tolerance zones. "None of us can understand the stance the police are taking," he said.

"There has never been any trouble associated with this event throughout its history. All we can say is that a homophobic decision has been taken. We shall be monitoring the way the council and police deal with other festivals in Manchester to ensure the gay community is not being treated unfairly. Mardi Gras may be cancelled but the weekend will be dedicated to a celebration of gay pride."

Greater Manchester Police strenuously denied homophobia and said the decision was based purely on public safety. Chief Superintendent Tony Kane, divisional commander for the city centre, said police had not been notified officially that the festival had been scrapped.

He said they had worked hard to find a compromise solution to the tolerance zone issue, and supported the Mardi Gras as an event that brought thousands of people to the city centre and was a boost for local businesses.

"We are saddened we have been accused of homophobia by a representative of the Village Business Association," he said. "Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate behaviour which discriminates against any group of society and we have worked closely throughout the years with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-community to develop partnerships and demonstrate our commitment to tackling hate crime."

Chief Supt Kane said the successful organisation of the Commonwealth Games had shown the bylaws banning street drinking could improve public safety without stopping people enjoying themselves. "As a police force we are tasked with ensuring public order and the safety of all concerned at such events and we firmly believe our proposal was the safest and the most likely to deliver the best event for everyone involved," he added.

The VBA has cancelled a parade of 90 floats through the city centre on Saturday, as well as the main dance and stage performance areas. A spokesman said there were plans for a protest march in the city centre, and bars and clubs in Canal Street would raise funds for Aids charities.

Mike Hutchinson, who was planning to run a craft stall at the festival, which started in 1993, said the cancellation was embarrassing for the city. "It seems the city can organise a Commonwealth Games, but not a Mardi Gras," he said.

The cancellation is thought likely to deprive the city of millions of pounds in revenue. Each year, revellers pay £10 a time to get a wrist band allowing them entry into bars in the gay village.