Some of the most high-profile gay bars in Brighton and Hove are leading a revolt against Pride after accusing organisers of ruining the annual festival.

At least three bars have already decided to withdraw the promise of donations which could total more than £10,000 to the festival in protest over a decision to axe the end-of-show street party.

Others have indicated they may follow suit but would make a final decision after the event this weekend.

The Argus reported last month how the official annual party in Kemp Town, the climax to Britain's biggest gay pride celebration, was cancelled because Pride organisers said the numbers of revellers had escalated beyond safe levels.

They also said new laws would have made them liable for the whole street.

Other members of the gay community have since accused police of meddling with council authorities to jeopardise the biggest event in the gay calendar.

Managers of The Bulldog, in St James's Street, said more support from the organisers of the annual Pride festival could have saved the post-parade party.

The Bulldog will give all its fund-raising money to Sussex Beacon this year instead of Pride. Last year the pub raised more than £3,000 for the organisation.

This year pub managers have organised a separate balloon race competition which they expect to raise £2,000 extra for charity.

Manager Dale Drury said organisers should have told the pub earlier of their decision to pull out, which would have given them the chance to organise the party themselves.

The after-show party normally attracts more than 35,000 revellers, about a third of the 120,000 people expected to attend the Pride parade.

But this year they will face an anti-climax as they vie for space in a handful of places with late licences instead of an official street party.

Mr Drury said: "We had enough time to organise it but Pride never told us.

All we want is a free, safe environment for people. Safety issues can always be dealt with, all you have to do is talk.

"Pride never said what their real problem was. They asked for a meeting with us three months ago just to get our events for their pamphlet."

The Marine Tavern, in Broad Street, and Harlequins Bar, in Providence Place, both owned by Steve Chillingworth, are also giving their usual Pride donations to Sussex Beacon. Last year they raised £5,000 for Pride.

Mr Chillingworth said: "Pride didn't give us enough information and took their support away so then the police backed out because we weren't supported by Pride. Pride now say they support outside bars but it's too little too late. It's unfortunate but I feel I don't know what they're doing this year."

PJ Aldred, of Brighton Pride, said the organisation had supported licensees as much as possible.

She said: "Everyone agreed it was hairy and dangerous last year. We think the area will actually be very similar to last year but will be more chilled rather than a dance event and we fully support all the bars and hope that they have as successful a time this year as last."

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