Is the Pride party over? (From The Argus)

Is the Pride party over?

5:10pm Saturday 4th February 2012 in News

Question marks have been raised over the future of Pride 2012 after it was revealed the charity behind the event was in financial difficulties.

Pride (South East), which runs Brighton Pride, is reported to have debts of up to £200,000.

At a meeting this week two trustees stepped down from their roles after discussing the extent of the financial situation.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it was aware Pride was in a “difficult” position financially which it described as “extremely regrettable”.

In a statement, Pride (South East) chairman Russell Allen admitted that a rejected VAT claim from revenue and customs had “dramatically” affected the organisation’s cash flow.

He said: “Since then negotiations have been ongoing with Pride’s two largest suppliers to seek a solution which would enable smaller creditors to be paid and planning for the 2012 event to continue.”

Revelations about the future of Pride came after a meeting of trustees, the council and representatives of the LGBT community.

It was reported that Pride (South East) owed creditors £184,000 and Brighton and Hove City Council £20,000.

Last year Pride announced it would charge partygoers to attend the event in Preston Park for the first time.

The revelations have left supporters calling for the future of Pride to be dramatically overhauled and for it to return to being a smaller community event more focused on diversity and LGBT issues.

*Are you owed money by Pride (South East)? Email rebecca.evans@theargus.co.uk or call 01273 544516.