Pride in Brighton and Hove has been saved.

A group of business leaders were granted permission to run this year’s event last night (March 6).

Debts totalling more than £180,000 owed to more than 20 companies and charities plunged the future of the event, which attracts tens of thousands of people every year, into doubt.

Now Michael Deol and Robert Webb, the owners of Revenge nightclub in Old Steine, James Ledward, editor of GScene magazine, and Paul Kemp, of Wild Fruit, have formed a new community interest company to run this year’s parade and ticketed party in Preston Park on September 1.

Brighton and Hove City Council approved the plan from the group known as Pride Brighton and Hove last night after organisers vowed that some profits will be ploughed back into LGBT charitable causes through the Rainbow Fund.

Mr Deol said: “We see the continuation of the city’s LGBT festival as integral to Brighton’s economy.

“The annual event has ensured a fantastic summer boom for businesses across the city from guest houses and hotels to restaurants, shops and clubs.

“It is with this in mind, and our belief in the great importance of Brighton’s fantastic LGBT services, that Pride Brighton and Hove are proud to reinstate Pride in 2012.”

City parade

More than 100,000 people attended the parade through the city’s streets last year. It was the first time the park event was ticketed and more than 30,000 attended.

Cash-strapped Pride Southeast Ltd, which previously organised the event, did submit a bid to the local authority to run a paid-for event in Preston Park only.

However, it was rejected by tourism cabinet member Geoffrey Bowden as he agreed the rival bid.

The Argus understands sponsors have already come forward showing an interest in supporting Pride Brighton and Hove’s plans.

Coun Bowden, who was a former trustee of Pride, said: “I hope we can see a successful and safe Pride.

“They have some very experienced people and they will bring that forward to running the event.

“It’s important to remember that it is not just about a celebration but a political statement. For me is it encourages just one person to come forward and express themselves to be an openly gay man or woman that’s very important.”

Coun Bowden said the local authority has received no official interest in operating the St James’s Street party but it was still open to offers.

Let us know how Pride 2012 can be better than ever by emailing letters@theargus.co.uk.

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