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Pride bailed out by Brighton council (From The Argus)
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Pride bailed out by Brighton council
12:40pm Tuesday 19th January 2010
Pride has been bailed out by the council after failing to raise the £50,000 it needed.
Just £14,080.71 has been collected for the annual Brighton event since it launched a fundraising appeal in August.
But after the organisation made cost-cutting measures of about £11,000 and were given a commitment to pay by one of last year’s sponsors, Brighton and Hove City Council has stepped in with a loan of £20,000.
What do you think?
Your Vote
Should Brighton and Hove Council have bailed out Brighton Pride?
23%
22%
55%
Pride’s acting chairman Robert Clothier said: “With our financial position secured, any uncertainty about this year’s Pride that there may have been is now over.
“We are committed to working with our new production company, Fisher Productions, all our other contractors, local LGBT businesses and community groups to make this year’s Pride festival better than ever before.”
A council spokesman said: “This short-term bridging loan is to support the restructure of the Pride event as they deliver their 18th Pride in 2010.”
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Your Say YourArgus
patchamgirl, hove says...
1:09pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Nyberg, Ystad says...
1:14pm Tue 19 Jan 10
I can't believe that with it being the busiest day in the Brighton calender, that they still had to get a loan of £20,000 from the council.
This city is supposed to be the gay capital of the UK - and you are telling me that all they could raise by donation was a measly £14,000?
It doesn't seem fair to me that the taxpayer is going to have to pay.
The Argus will have to keep checking to see whether this 'loan' is ever repaid.
I can't for the life of me work out why it can't be self financing - or even make a profit. It must be very badly run.
Lady Smith, Brighton says...
1:17pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Nyberg, Ystad says...
1:33pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Lady Smith wrote:What's a no-brainer is why can't it be self financing or even turn a profit? All those people coming in from out of town? Why shouldn't they make a small contribution to ensure that Pride always has enough money from year to year to do the job properly.
A £20,000 loan; at least 35,000 LGBT people in the city who pay council tax (i.e. less than £1 loan per person); a Pride festival that contributes greatly to the local economy. It's a no-brainer - but then there are plenty of them out there, as we can already see by these comments...
Voter99, England says...
1:40pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Forbes Coleman, says...
1:42pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Bennn, Kemptown, Brighton says...
1:51pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Never forger that we don't know what we've got till it's gone. The day we lose Pride and all the events that make Brighton special this place will end up like Margate and you'll be the first ones complaining then.
Angryoldman, says...
1:52pm Tue 19 Jan 10
There is not a spare room in any hotel on the pride weekend. Its a money maker for many businesses, including the council. They probably make ten times the loan in parking charges and fines alone.
Whats going on????, Brighton says...
2:01pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Alan G Skinner, Corralejo, Fuerteventura says...
2:10pm Tue 19 Jan 10
prestonrevoltII, Brighton says...
2:15pm Tue 19 Jan 10
prestonrevoltII, Brighton says...
2:15pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Mr Pickwick, Brighton says...
2:16pm Tue 19 Jan 10
JamboBrighton, Brighton says...
2:21pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Andre Spooner, Brighton says...
2:24pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Alan G Skinner wrote:Oh, Alan, you sound like a delightful fellow. If it wasn't for the fact you would startle my Mighty Horse, I'm sure having you and your 2½ children round for dinner would be a delight!
Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.
Both me and my horse are curious, however, firstly how Brighton and Hove City Council can have forgotten to call you when making their budget decisions! I know for a fact Mary Mears and the rest always consult with the grumbling ex-pat community when pledging money in other circumstances - there must have been a terrible mistake somewhere. I shall have a word with Mary next time she pops round with a handful of sugar for my horse.
And also, as you seem to live in Fuerteventura, then it isn't really your "tax £'s", is it? Although I can see how an event in Brighton can really bother someone located where you are. How dare they! In the future, money shall only be donated to majority groups!
Actually, technically, as 49% of the UK's population are male (and 51% female), give the money to the men! Many will spend it on brandy and cigars, but I shall buy the most incredible set of roller skates for my Mighty Horse. It shall be Hell on Wheels. Beware! Beware! Spooner rides again!
Wow, my security word was "Alan-G-Skinner". That's odd.
Think about it, London says...
2:24pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Alan G Skinner wrote:This may come as a surprise to you, but gay people pay tax too, and nobody asks them if they mind their tax going towards your 2.4 children.
Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.
If you want the loan cancelled then be consistent and call for gay people to be exempt from paying tax. That way you're not supporting them and they're not supporting you.
prestonrevoltII, Brighton says...
2:32pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Think about it wrote:oooh put ya nails back in 'Think about it', this is a crap day that adds nothing to our city, just because some people decided to make Brighton 'their' capital for all things Gay doesn't mean that we the tax payer should support and pay for their 'Pride' party!!!! and can someone please tell me, what is the heck is there to be proud of, how drunks and druggies can ruin a city in a day.....
Alan G Skinner wrote: Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.This may come as a surprise to you, but gay people pay tax too, and nobody asks them if they mind their tax going towards your 2.4 children. If you want the loan cancelled then be consistent and call for gay people to be exempt from paying tax. That way you're not supporting them and they're not supporting you.
prestonrevoltII, Brighton says...
2:37pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Funnding for voluntary and community groups is allocated according to Council policy and guidelines. More details here: http://www.brighton-
hove.gov.uk/index.cf
m?request=c1145471
If you wish to make representations concerning such policy I would suggest you contact your local councillor: http://www.brighton-
hove.gov.uk/index.cf
m?request=b1156464
Eric Ballard, citydirect, Brighton & Hove City Council
ultiali, Hove says...
2:51pm Tue 19 Jan 10
I wouldn't have thought that a small charge would damage numbers, but the revenue from any charge would be outweighed by the cost of enforcing it.
Bennn, Kemptown, Brighton says...
3:08pm Tue 19 Jan 10
prestonrevoltII wrote:Well in that case why should I support and pay for YOU to still be around moaning about everything. My tax also goes towards clearing your rubbish, paying for your NHS... You are the one who adds nothing to our city, so why should I? Sounds like your 60 and always have been. Now go back and read your Daily Express and leave us all in peace.
Think about it wrote:oooh put ya nails back in 'Think about it', this is a crap day that adds nothing to our city, just because some people decided to make Brighton 'their' capital for all things Gay doesn't mean that we the tax payer should support and pay for their 'Pride' party!!!! and can someone please tell me, what is the heck is there to be proud of, how drunks and druggies can ruin a city in a day.....Alan G Skinner wrote: Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.This may come as a surprise to you, but gay people pay tax too, and nobody asks them if they mind their tax going towards your 2.4 children. If you want the loan cancelled then be consistent and call for gay people to be exempt from paying tax. That way you're not supporting them and they're not supporting you.
Granny, Brighton says...
3:18pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Thumper Hove, Hove says...
3:30pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Think about it wrote:Well done for pointing this out. Homophobic breeders we forget we gay people pay for their pregnancies, a year off work, a giving birth gift, endless child support, schooling. This same group seems to be OK for many thousands being spent policing West Street in a single weekend.
Alan G Skinner wrote: Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.This may come as a surprise to you, but gay people pay tax too, and nobody asks them if they mind their tax going towards your 2.4 children. If you want the loan cancelled then be consistent and call for gay people to be exempt from paying tax. That way you're not supporting them and they're not supporting you.
The small amount LOANed (not a giveaway) will soon be repayed and in any event the council will get more back during Pride weekend in parking tickets alone, never mind the high increase in shoppers that weekend.
Brighton & Hove has always had a high proportion of GLBT people - if you are homophobic, move out and live somewhere else (Bolton has a nice percentage of BNP supporters).
RickH, Hove says...
3:37pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Thumper Hove wrote:Spot on Thumper!
Think about it wrote:Well done for pointing this out. Homophobic breeders we forget we gay people pay for their pregnancies, a year off work, a giving birth gift, endless child support, schooling. This same group seems to be OK for many thousands being spent policing West Street in a single weekend. The small amount LOANed (not a giveaway) will soon be repayed and in any event the council will get more back during Pride weekend in parking tickets alone, never mind the high increase in shoppers that weekend. Brighton & Hove has always had a high proportion of GLBT people - if you are homophobic, move out and live somewhere else (Bolton has a nice percentage of BNP supporters).Alan G Skinner wrote: Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.This may come as a surprise to you, but gay people pay tax too, and nobody asks them if they mind their tax going towards your 2.4 children. If you want the loan cancelled then be consistent and call for gay people to be exempt from paying tax. That way you're not supporting them and they're not supporting you.
Mr Lahey, Sunnyvale says...
3:44pm Tue 19 Jan 10
RickH wrote:spot on is right.
Thumper Hove wrote:Spot on Thumper!Think about it wrote:Well done for pointing this out. Homophobic breeders we forget we gay people pay for their pregnancies, a year off work, a giving birth gift, endless child support, schooling. This same group seems to be OK for many thousands being spent policing West Street in a single weekend. The small amount LOANed (not a giveaway) will soon be repayed and in any event the council will get more back during Pride weekend in parking tickets alone, never mind the high increase in shoppers that weekend. Brighton & Hove has always had a high proportion of GLBT people - if you are homophobic, move out and live somewhere else (Bolton has a nice percentage of BNP supporters).Alan G Skinner wrote: Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.This may come as a surprise to you, but gay people pay tax too, and nobody asks them if they mind their tax going towards your 2.4 children. If you want the loan cancelled then be consistent and call for gay people to be exempt from paying tax. That way you're not supporting them and they're not supporting you.
Tony Davenport, Brighton says...
3:58pm Tue 19 Jan 10
What is that based on? And where are the figures for how many of them a) want to have a pride festival b) take part in the pride festival?
Tony Davenport
roseyposey, Brighton says...
4:04pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Andy R, Hove says...
4:06pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Best not tell "Dave" though......
prestonrevoltII, Brighton says...
4:23pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Bennn wrote:Bennn I work for a government office, I work darn hard for my money and pay a hefty amount of tax for the joy of it..ahem.. if you are going to start saying I don't do anything for this city, should we discuss this further and score out of ten whom contrbutes the most!! I'd win hands down mr Im so differnet I spell my name with an extra N...you sound like a trumped little no mark who sits on your behiond all day watching trisha (ironically of course!) I read the guardian, and have from its original manchester days..I'm more red than you would rthink me laddio go creep into your little hole and nevere blight this forum with your presence again!
prestonrevoltII wrote:Well in that case why should I support and pay for YOU to still be around moaning about everything. My tax also goes towards clearing your rubbish, paying for your NHS... You are the one who adds nothing to our city, so why should I? Sounds like your 60 and always have been. Now go back and read your Daily Express and leave us all in peace.Think about it wrote:oooh put ya nails back in 'Think about it', this is a crap day that adds nothing to our city, just because some people decided to make Brighton 'their' capital for all things Gay doesn't mean that we the tax payer should support and pay for their 'Pride' party!!!! and can someone please tell me, what is the heck is there to be proud of, how drunks and druggies can ruin a city in a day.....Alan G Skinner wrote: Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.This may come as a surprise to you, but gay people pay tax too, and nobody asks them if they mind their tax going towards your 2.4 children. If you want the loan cancelled then be consistent and call for gay people to be exempt from paying tax. That way you're not supporting them and they're not supporting you.
prestonrevoltII, Brighton says...
4:25pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Jo Wadsworth, web editor, The Argus says...
4:29pm Tue 19 Jan 10
prestonrevoltII, Brighton says...
4:33pm Tue 19 Jan 10
I shall henceforth behave in a good and proper manner when debating on this ere forum/discussion bored!
Full-Poor was my check word......
Arriseme, Brighton says...
4:51pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Living in the real world, Brighton says...
4:52pm Tue 19 Jan 10
A nice day had by all
Tony Davenport, Brighton says...
5:12pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Tony Davenport
Alan G Skinner, Corralejo, Fuerteventura says...
5:14pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Bennn wrote:It's the Mail and Telegraph actually. I may be based in the "Tax Free" Canaries, but i still live in Brighton; well a couple of months a year anyway and i still pay tax. I'm sure there are decent families in Brighton that the cash could be used for, or indeed Haiti. "Pride" has had it's day; it's boring and just an inconvenience now. Public funds should not be misappropriated in this way. Minority events should be paid for by minority groups, not by further burdening the majority.
prestonrevoltII wrote:Well in that case why should I support and pay for YOU to still be around moaning about everything. My tax also goes towards clearing your rubbish, paying for your NHS... You are the one who adds nothing to our city, so why should I? Sounds like your 60 and always have been. Now go back and read your Daily Express and leave us all in peace.Think about it wrote:oooh put ya nails back in 'Think about it', this is a crap day that adds nothing to our city, just because some people decided to make Brighton 'their' capital for all things Gay doesn't mean that we the tax payer should support and pay for their 'Pride' party!!!! and can someone please tell me, what is the heck is there to be proud of, how drunks and druggies can ruin a city in a day.....Alan G Skinner wrote: Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.This may come as a surprise to you, but gay people pay tax too, and nobody asks them if they mind their tax going towards your 2.4 children. If you want the loan cancelled then be consistent and call for gay people to be exempt from paying tax. That way you're not supporting them and they're not supporting you.
Gentleman Jim, North Brighton says...
5:20pm Tue 19 Jan 10
It is time another town took a turn but i dont see any indication that any other location is interested in a parade that is not intended for all groups.
Gentleman Jim, North Brighton says...
5:20pm Tue 19 Jan 10
It is time another town took a turn but i dont see any indication that any other location is interested in a parade that is not intended for all groups.
2006royal, Brighton says...
5:25pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Nyberg, Ystad says...
5:34pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Tony Davenport wrote:My gay friends feel the same. They find it squalid as well, and can't wait for the weekend to be over.
Exactly Living In The Real World - friends of mine who are gay don't attend it, oppose it and, frankly, find it rather squalid. I suppose judging by some of the comments and beliefs on here those gay friends of mine are homophobic?!
Tony Davenport
Not all gay people want to walk down the street dressed in a G string and with a couple of feathers shoved where the sun don't shine. In fact I'd say MOST gay people don't want to! They have far too much taste.
Thumper Hove, Hove says...
5:38pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Tony Davenport wrote:I'm also gay and Pride isn't really my thing. However I'm mature enough to realise that it is a major event in Brighton's calendar with well over 100,000 visitors who do love Pride (the Loan is less than 10p per person who attends). If you remove emotion from the decision, any event that brings in so many tourists to the economy should be supported if possible, no doubt why the council agreed to the temporary loan. The Council will get the money back so I really don't see why there is so much fury being vented - should the loan not be repaid I've no no doubt they'd be refuses the relevant licenses in further years.
Exactly Living In The Real World - friends of mine who are gay don't attend it, oppose it and, frankly, find it rather squalid. I suppose judging by some of the comments and beliefs on here those gay friends of mine are homophobic?! Tony Davenport
If the Council had loaned Brighton Festival £10k there would probably not be anyone bothering to comment on here, or indeed the Argus actually running a story.
chrisbrighton, brighton says...
5:48pm Tue 19 Jan 10
prestonrevoltII, Brighton says...
5:48pm Tue 19 Jan 10
mark by the sea, hove says...
6:00pm Tue 19 Jan 10
yorkie44, Woodingdean says...
6:17pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Gaz the great, Brighton says...
6:32pm Tue 19 Jan 10
One View, Brighton says...
6:46pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Thumper Hove, Hove says...
6:52pm Tue 19 Jan 10
One View wrote:Very well said.
So much fuss. The council is always giving assets, financial aid or spending time/money on attracting grants for various sections of the community. That's part of what the council does. Over time everyone should benefit from something the council does at some point.
The council hasn't given any money away, just a temporary bridging loan. Imagine the uproar if the Council sponsored the event like in Manchester! I think a few brains would explode with outrage.
Nyberg, Ystad says...
7:08pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Why not sell programmes - and sell the advertising in the programmes to local businesses?
It could easily fund itself, but I would suggest that the reason it doesn't, is because the organisers are totally incompetent and should be replaced.
Tony Davenport, Brighton says...
7:31pm Tue 19 Jan 10
The Labour government quite rightly bought in civil partnerships and other rights for same sex couples, so is it still something that needs to be rallied about? Can't we all just get on with it? Constant flogging of a rather dead political horse just gets many people's backs up and runs the risk of it being seen that LGBT people actually get preferential treatment to everyone else.
Tony Davenport
Bennn, Kemptown, Brighton says...
7:53pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Tony Davenport wrote:Hotels, pubs and clubs are packed, businesses in Kemptown really benefit from the street festival, it attracts over 150,000 people who are all going to spend at least a bit of money... Also, as I said before Pride is part of the city's identity and shows that Brighton is a vibrant, dynamic, open-minded city which really helps in the long term.
Many of those 100,000 people don't spend a penny here - they arrive on the train and then head back afterwards. It may be good for some businesses in the city but certainly not all - for example I know a lot of shops on London Road who can't stand the Pride festival as it actually damages their incomes. So I really question these claims that Pride brings hundreds of thousands of pounds into the local economy as they don't actually seem to be based on anything. Why not argue that large scale protests like Smash EDO bring thousands of pounds into the economy?! (Yes, I am joking about that one)
The Labour government quite rightly bought in civil partnerships and other rights for same sex couples, so is it still something that needs to be rallied about? Can't we all just get on with it? Constant flogging of a rather dead political horse just gets many people's backs up and runs the risk of it being seen that LGBT people actually get preferential treatment to everyone else.
Tony Davenport
If homosexuality is a dead horse then Regency is too so why do you keep going on and on about it?
Tony Davenport, Brighton says...
8:43pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Tony Davenport
pun master, Hove says...
9:13pm Tue 19 Jan 10
TheInsider, Brighton says...
9:23pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Business making money and they don't care from whom or how. It's a business venture and those attending understand this.
At the same time, the organisers live in a lovely world where the event is about love, donation and goodwill and they make nothing because the attenders don't live in this world.
There is a disparity between the ethos and the reality of this event.
People pay business prices in the park, they are willing to do so, so charge them to get into the park and get over it.
Davey_Boy, Brighton says...
9:23pm Tue 19 Jan 10
It is without a doubt that Pride is of great benefit to the community for a variety of reasons. Not least of all the revenue it generates to many local businesses. How many hotels, for example, put their prices up during the Pride weekend? This is merely one example! Bars being busy and benefiting also from increased revenue at this time.
Whilst being an LGBT run event Pride has never been exclusive to the LGBT community - indeed it has valued participation from everyone who wishes to take part and has provided an extremely enjoyable day out for everyone. There is an immense feeling of togetherness from all walks of life and it has become so successful in this that large companies and indeed groups such as the fire department, police, etc also take part. American Express actively support it, Southern Water to name but a few of the larger companies.
This last year has seen a lots of businesses suffer! For goodness sake - Banks have been bailed out by the Government because they needed the help? Should the Government have ignored them because they should know what they should have known what they are doing and sorted it themselves? No, of course not. There are wider issues at stake. It made sense to give assistance because there was more at risk than just the business.
A loan, on this occasion, for Pride is both fair and clearly of benefit to the wider community.
Whilst I appreciate the point made by Tony Davenport that not all businesses benefit - surely he must see that it is likely the majority - and indeed Brighton as a whole - do?
Davey_Boy, Brighton says...
9:40pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Alan G Skinner wrote:You assume that tax paying, middle class people with 2.4 children do not attend such events? You also assume that people are not hard working or middle class because they are GAY?
Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.
Self congratulation? Are you insane? This event has evolved and has become more a celebration of existence for EVERYONE, ragardless of sexuality, race, colour, creed or position in society, to enjoy, which if people spent more time doing than complaining and moaning would make the world a significantly better place!
TheInsider, Brighton says...
9:54pm Tue 19 Jan 10
I am not gay, yet my wife and I do not have children and we don't moan about paying to support people with kids.
If you have kids you really are getting your share of the tax spend.
It will be interesting to see what the parties offer childless people in tax breaks as its on the cards. You could find youself paying more if we get a rebate for not using services.
Living in the real world, Brighton says...
10:03pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Thumper Hove wrote:Read your comment with interest but was wondering how if they lost 50K last year how are they going to make a profit to pay back the loan, if as is apparant every year it gets tackier and less about pride and more about pi55 up in the park.
Tony Davenport wrote: Exactly Living In The Real World - friends of mine who are gay don't attend it, oppose it and, frankly, find it rather squalid. I suppose judging by some of the comments and beliefs on here those gay friends of mine are homophobic?! Tony DavenportI'm also gay and Pride isn't really my thing. However I'm mature enough to realise that it is a major event in Brighton's calendar with well over 100,000 visitors who do love Pride (the Loan is less than 10p per person who attends). If you remove emotion from the decision, any event that brings in so many tourists to the economy should be supported if possible, no doubt why the council agreed to the temporary loan. The Council will get the money back so I really don't see why there is so much fury being vented - should the loan not be repaid I've no no doubt they'd be refuses the relevant licenses in further years. If the Council had loaned Brighton Festival £10k there would probably not be anyone bothering to comment on here, or indeed the Argus actually running a story.
Is it true that last year the NHS paid straight people to walk in the parade. if so enough said about its future
Davey_Boy, Brighton says...
10:16pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Living in the real world wrote:All organisations can have difficult times for a variety of reasons and many seek a loan to support them at such times!
Thumper Hove wrote:Read your comment with interest but was wondering how if they lost 50K last year how are they going to make a profit to pay back the loan, if as is apparant every year it gets tackier and less about pride and more about pi55 up in the park.
Tony Davenport wrote: Exactly Living In The Real World - friends of mine who are gay don't attend it, oppose it and, frankly, find it rather squalid. I suppose judging by some of the comments and beliefs on here those gay friends of mine are homophobic?! Tony DavenportI'm also gay and Pride isn't really my thing. However I'm mature enough to realise that it is a major event in Brighton's calendar with well over 100,000 visitors who do love Pride (the Loan is less than 10p per person who attends). If you remove emotion from the decision, any event that brings in so many tourists to the economy should be supported if possible, no doubt why the council agreed to the temporary loan. The Council will get the money back so I really don't see why there is so much fury being vented - should the loan not be repaid I've no no doubt they'd be refuses the relevant licenses in further years. If the Council had loaned Brighton Festival £10k there would probably not be anyone bothering to comment on here, or indeed the Argus actually running a story.
Is it true that last year the NHS paid straight people to walk in the parade. if so enough said about its future
Most Business Bank Accounts offer buffer lending facilities for this reason! As long as measures are taken to assure future success this has for years been business practice - and, on the whole, a very successful one or let's face it - it would never be offered! But I guess if you are 'Living in the Real World' - you would know that?
kkj, Brighton says...
11:23pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Those of you worried that the poll is not fair because of the possibility of the split of the 'yes' vote between two options shouldn't worry about it. I would worry however (if it actually counted for anything) about the fact that you can vote more than once.
My security word is 'vote-doze';I think thats short for 'vote-dozens-of-time
s'.
stan bailey, brighton says...
7:08am Wed 20 Jan 10
Bennn wrote:60? is this some sort of ageism, would have thought someone who doesn't like quite rightly tolerate homophobia, would not ok with ageism
prestonrevoltII wrote:Well in that case why should I support and pay for YOU to still be around moaning about everything. My tax also goes towards clearing your rubbish, paying for your NHS... You are the one who adds nothing to our city, so why should I? Sounds like your 60 and always have been. Now go back and read your Daily Express and leave us all in peace.
Think about it wrote:oooh put ya nails back in 'Think about it', this is a crap day that adds nothing to our city, just because some people decided to make Brighton 'their' capital for all things Gay doesn't mean that we the tax payer should support and pay for their 'Pride' party!!!! and can someone please tell me, what is the heck is there to be proud of, how drunks and druggies can ruin a city in a day.....Alan G Skinner wrote: Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.This may come as a surprise to you, but gay people pay tax too, and nobody asks them if they mind their tax going towards your 2.4 children. If you want the loan cancelled then be consistent and call for gay people to be exempt from paying tax. That way you're not supporting them and they're not supporting you.
cheezburger, brighton says...
8:20am Wed 20 Jan 10
I always enjoy watching the parade. But whatever else goes on in Preston Park should surely be paid for. My gay friends enjoy the party aspect of it, but arent interested in the political aspect of it, i.e. trying to promote equal rights etc. But really in this day and age that doesnt count anymore. They've done their job. Now it is a party and thats all.
A fiver each from the punters and they'd make a fortune. The ones who make the real killing though are the bars and hotels. If the tax payers have to fork out its future is doomed.
Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit, Brighton says...
10:06am Wed 20 Jan 10
BUT .... it HAS to pay for itself. I've no objection to the Council making a small donation (a few thousand) but it shouldn't be offering itself as the 'lender of last resort' to make sure it goes ahead. They didn't bail out Beachdown and they shouldn't bail out Pride. If they only raised 14,000 that is truly pathetic - but then I haven't seen any signs around the city of any fund-raising initiatives; it's almost as if they expected the Council to bail them out.
beccapenny, Brighton says...
10:14am Wed 20 Jan 10
Angryoldman, says...
10:51am Wed 20 Jan 10
Any outdoor event suffers when the weather is bad.
Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit, Brighton says...
11:58am Wed 20 Jan 10
Angryoldman wrote:Eh? Are you suggesting that there was only ONE time and ONE place where money could be collected? What about the rest of the year?
We must remember that the park event where much of the money is collected was a washout. Any outdoor event suffers when the weather is bad.
PrestigeLyon, Brighton says...
2:11pm Wed 20 Jan 10
Another bonus for the hard working, tax paying, singletons and non-family types.
Gaz the great, Brighton says...
4:09pm Wed 20 Jan 10
beccapenny wrote:Still think buisness's should have contributed & sorry to say, no B&H city council should not send money to the Haiti appeal, thats for the goverment to deal with. Also the UK public, once again, have pledged or given millions so far. The original point was Pride must be able to finance their own festival, not expect the council to bail them out.
I personally would have prefered the city to have foregone Pride this year, and have the council donate that £2ok to the people of Haiti. But that's just my humble feelings on this.
sdavies, says...
4:50pm Wed 20 Jan 10
There are many more important local issues that need funding, and 'pride' is not one of them. This is yet another example of our council wasting our money.
When are they going to listen to us and use our money the way we want them to. After all, we pay their wages and vote them in!
Davey_Boy, Brighton says...
5:59pm Wed 20 Jan 10
cheezburger wrote:The Charities supported are not necessarily GAY! The Sussex Beacon, for example, provides care for people living with HIV/AIDS. This service is not provided for GAY people but ANYONE living with HIV/AIDS. Many other charities are much the same.
I think Pride wants to have its cake and eat it. Its for everyone when they want you to donate, but its not for everyone when they only give to gay charities. Lets face it, the ony reason its not called gay pride is because it wants money from everyone.It should make up its mind. Be really inclusive and really include all, in the fun and the charity donations (many worthy charities in Brighton could benefit, not just gay ones), or stay in its little seperatist world.
I always enjoy watching the parade. But whatever else goes on in Preston Park should surely be paid for. My gay friends enjoy the party aspect of it, but arent interested in the political aspect of it, i.e. trying to promote equal rights etc. But really in this day and age that doesnt count anymore. They've done their job. Now it is a party and thats all.
A fiver each from the punters and they'd make a fortune. The ones who make the real killing though are the bars and hotels. If the tax payers have to fork out its future is doomed.
I am not aware that any Charity discriminates in any such way but perhaps you could suggest one that is purely provided for GAY people or for Heterosexual people only?
Davey_Boy, Brighton says...
6:12pm Wed 20 Jan 10
Angryoldman wrote:
We must remember that the park event where much of the money is collected was a washout. Any outdoor event suffers when the weather is bad.
Quote:
Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit, Brighton says...
11:58am Wed 20 Jan 10
Eh? Are you suggesting that there was only ONE time and ONE place where money could be collected? What about the rest of the year?
Response:
The LGBT community have numerous fund-raising events all throughout the year not just for Pride but for many charities.
Certainly not all money can be collected in the park but given the numbers attending it should be a significantly higher amount than was collected. The weather would have been one of the factors that affected this.
There has been a recession and many businesses have been affected by it as have many individuals. There have been clear signs everywhere that people have not necessarily been able to donate as much as they may have in the past or have not been spending as much. This also will have been a contributory factor.
A lesson must have been learned from the experience and I suspect this is what the council felt has happened which is why they decided to provide the 'LOAN' they did.
Voter99, England says...
6:14pm Wed 20 Jan 10
davyboy, abingdon, oxon says...
6:41pm Wed 20 Jan 10
sdavies wrote:thanks for that comment, and i would totally agree with you. this event has so many people attending it, a small fee of £2 each would more than cover the shortfall. as you say, coucils are there to provide 'essential' services, not fund gay/hetro/non-gender specific parties. if these groups want these parades and parties, let them fund them themselves, by private donations, not from taxpayers money. if councils won't listen to the taxpayers, when it comes to election time, vote them out!!!!
As a gay man, I vehemently disagree with MY council tax money being used to fund this pointless event. It has NOTHING to do with the 'provision of essential services' in Brighton & Hove. It is basically an excuse for gay people to have a party at council-tax payers expense.
There are many more important local issues that need funding, and 'pride' is not one of them. This is yet another example of our council wasting our money.
When are they going to listen to us and use our money the way we want them to. After all, we pay their wages and vote them in!
TheInsider, Brighton says...
7:36pm Wed 20 Jan 10
If they aren't willing to pay a few quid then they really aren't that bothered about it.
No-one expects to get something for nothing these days.
tom servo, brighton says...
1:42pm Thu 21 Jan 10
prestonrevoltII wrote:"I'm more red than you would rthink me laddio"
Bennn wrote:Bennn I work for a government office, I work darn hard for my money and pay a hefty amount of tax for the joy of it..ahem.. if you are going to start saying I don't do anything for this city, should we discuss this further and score out of ten whom contrbutes the most!! I'd win hands down mr Im so differnet I spell my name with an extra N...you sound like a trumped little no mark who sits on your behiond all day watching trisha (ironically of course!) I read the guardian, and have from its original manchester days..I'm more red than you would rthink me laddio go creep into your little hole and nevere blight this forum with your presence again!prestonrevoltII wrote:Well in that case why should I support and pay for YOU to still be around moaning about everything. My tax also goes towards clearing your rubbish, paying for your NHS... You are the one who adds nothing to our city, so why should I? Sounds like your 60 and always have been. Now go back and read your Daily Express and leave us all in peace.Think about it wrote:oooh put ya nails back in 'Think about it', this is a crap day that adds nothing to our city, just because some people decided to make Brighton 'their' capital for all things Gay doesn't mean that we the tax payer should support and pay for their 'Pride' party!!!! and can someone please tell me, what is the heck is there to be proud of, how drunks and druggies can ruin a city in a day.....Alan G Skinner wrote: Another kick in the teeth for the hard working, tax paying, 2.4 children middle class families. Who asked me if i wanted my tax £'s being spent on this annual display of minority group self congratulation / exhibitionism. Sick when you consider whats happening on hispaniola right now. I'd rather these funds were donated to the UN.This may come as a surprise to you, but gay people pay tax too, and nobody asks them if they mind their tax going towards your 2.4 children. If you want the loan cancelled then be consistent and call for gay people to be exempt from paying tax. That way you're not supporting them and they're not supporting you.
I almost fell of my chair laughing reading this.
Davey_Boy, Brighton says...
6:11pm Thu 21 Jan 10
TheInsider wrote:Absolutely right! The changes planned in terms of access this year will certainly rectify the situation in terms of collecting revenue.
If people want it, they will pay for it at the gate - perhaps a few quid.
If they aren't willing to pay a few quid then they really aren't that bothered about it.
No-one expects to get something for nothing these days.
mookskywalker, Brighton says...
9:57pm Thu 21 Jan 10
Putting pride aside, the way you all swarmed around this post with such a viciousness.."i wont put in money for queers" "i wont put my tax down for YOUR children"
Maybe we need an event that for once put down these STUPID differences and focuses on how much a city can come together for just ONE DAY. Because, if there weren't homo/hetro-phobes (LIKE YOU!!!) in this country (OR IN THIS WORLD!) to begin with, then we wouldn't feel compelled to march down the streets to let you know we are people too!
Brighton has been gay since the days of prince regent, if you can't get used to it, you can put it up your bum!
worthinglogic, Worthing says...
2:59am Fri 22 Jan 10
Gaz the great, Brighton says...
5:44pm Fri 22 Jan 10
bob123, brighton says...
10:52pm Fri 22 Jan 10
simple
mycroftmill, Chailey says...
7:55am Sat 23 Jan 10
Apathy rules UK!
brightonnewby, brighton says...
1:06pm Mon 25 Jan 10
patchamgirl wrote:I find it absurd that this happened here. Pride committee should be getting money from the pubs, bars, hotels, restaurants and beer companies and all those gay friendly establishments all who make a ton of money during pride. It is time for corporate responsibility and corporate pride. Likewise the pride committee should have some fundraising of their own, get the community involved. If they dont show interest then it is time to look at rescaling or cancelling pride.
REALLY! HOW AWFUL! NOTHING AGAISNT PRIDE BUT COME ON DO SOMETHING MORE WORTHWHILE WITH THE CASH!!
Gazza, Sussex says...
11:20am Thu 28 Jan 10
This festival must raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the city’s shops, hotels, clubs pubs and fast food outlets
I’m sure in these credit crunch times without this event most of the above mentioned would suffer from the lack of income generated. And I’m sure it would be dearly missed if next year’s pride doesn’t go ahead.
Yours faithfully
Mr / Miss Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Nyberg, Ystad says...
9:32pm Thu 28 Jan 10
Jo Wadsworth wrote:It's commentatOrs, I think you will find.
I understand this is an issue which deeply divides people, but would remind commenters to stick to debating the issue rather than making personal points about others
Rastus Watermelon, Brighton says...
2:12pm Sat 30 Jan 10
mycroftmill wrote:What a load of nonsense you spout.
Gay population of Brighton 35,000, donations collected for their celebrations in past 5 mths £14,000.
Apathy rules UK!
I've got hundreds of defining characteristic traits, as does every other person.
Not wanting to donate to each and every one of them is hardly apathy.
lachrymatory, Brighton says...
7:03pm Sat 30 Jan 10
'just-debt' aha.. how appropriate.
Davey_Boy, Brighton says...
8:50pm Sun 7 Feb 10
brightonnewby wrote:What is amazing is the number of places that suddenly become "Gay friendly" when the Pride event is taking place and there is money to be made! Perhaps they could also consider making some form of donation as people benefiting from the event?
patchamgirl wrote:I find it absurd that this happened here. Pride committee should be getting money from the pubs, bars, hotels, restaurants and beer companies and all those gay friendly establishments all who make a ton of money during pride. It is time for corporate responsibility and corporate pride. Likewise the pride committee should have some fundraising of their own, get the community involved. If they dont show interest then it is time to look at rescaling or cancelling pride.
REALLY! HOW AWFUL! NOTHING AGAISNT PRIDE BUT COME ON DO SOMETHING MORE WORTHWHILE WITH THE CASH!!
In excess of 100,000 people attend on the day! Just £1 each would do it..... Or if EVERY bar that was open added just 10p to a drink and donated this to Pride that would also do it!
Davey_Boy, Brighton says...
8:54pm Sun 7 Feb 10
worthinglogic wrote:Well said! Did the ARGUS run a debate on whether that was considered a sensible use of funds...... Hmm!
OK... (Sorry if this was already posted, I cba to read the above comments!) But this council just spent TWO MILLION POUNDS refurbing the lanes and London Road carparks... this amount of money is NOTHINGGGGG!!!!
David Panter, Kemp Town says...
11:37pm Tue 9 Feb 10
beccapenny wrote:Or we could keep Pride and donate, for example, the millions of pounds spent on idiotic BBC presenters, or MPs' second homes. There are lots of wasted pots of public money before we have to turn on something that:
I personally would have prefered the city to have foregone Pride this year, and have the council donate that £2ok to the people of Haiti. But that's just my humble feelings on this.
-doesn't cost the public very much
-has a demonstrable economic and social benefits
-has charitable aims
Not on my watch, Brighton says...
8:49am Tue 16 Feb 10
When I hear stories of one particular bar after Gay Pride having to go to the bank 4/5 haversacks of cash daily during this period not including credit/debit card purchases it makes me wonder who should be paying the required running money.
Sorry guys/gals if you can’t pay you can’t play that’s business in the real world and I’ve run a few in the last 30 years or so…successfully may I add.
Brighton seems to have the idea that meritocracy is ok because someone else will pick-up the tab and you know what they do……shame on you Brighton Council.
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Old Dog, Falmer says...
12:59pm Tue 19 Jan 10