Thursday, 8th October 09

ROOT AND BRANCH RETHINK FOR PRIDE

Trustees of Pride in Brighton and Hove will be having a root and branch review of its activities as a result of the annual community feedback meeting held at the Queen’s Hotel earlier this week.

The recent publicity surrounding Pride’s financial difficulties and the widespread debate about its future and purpose ensured that the meeting held at the Queen’s Hotel attracted a packed audience.

A short presentation from Kath Browne and Russell Allen, trustees of Pride, set out the current financial position, along with action taken to remedy the situation. This was followed by a question and answer session designed to identify the key issues that participants wished to explore in more depth in working groups. Those groups looked at three key areas; Pride’s financing, its core messages and the parade.

Commenting, Yvonne Barker, chair of Pride said:

“I was particularly encouraged by the positive response from the community and the open dialogue which has lead to many constructive comments and suggestions.

“Pride has a planned strategy day for its trustees and employees on Saturday, 24th October and all our thoughts and everyone’s feedback will be on the table for consideration. 

“It is true to say that we will be having a root and branch rethink. Nothing will be off limits, including whether Pride remains a free event, if the main park event is scaled down or even abandoned all together. Our charitable status will be also be under close scrutiny.

“We are at a crucial point in Pride’s development and the financial crisis has certainly helped everyone to focus on the purpose of Pride and how it can best achieve its core objectives.”

Following the strategy day, Pride has committed to a continuing open dialogue with the LGBT community on its plans.

“Pride’s future must be driven by the community if it is to prosper. Trustees are determined that a positive way forward will be found as a result of the feedback meeting and the continuing dialogue with all parts of the community,” said Barker. “In the meantime, our fund raising efforts must continue to ensure that Pride is able to support the infrastructure to deliver whatever the community decides it wants.”

Those wishing to donate towards Pride’s fundraising appeal can do so via its website: http://www.justgiving.com/brightonpride/donate/ and can keep up with latest developments via Pride’s Official Facebook site.

Up and coming Pride fundraising events

Local LGBT businesses are showing their support for Pride by holding fundraising events; here are the next dates for your diaries, listings, air time and column inches etc…

Pride Cabaret Fundraiser Weekend @ Queen's Arms Friday 9^th-Sunday 11^th October, 12pm-2am

Friday night kick starts the opening of the Queens Arms special Pride Cabaret Fundraising weekend. The QA wants you to help them ensure the continuation of "PRIDE" There will be many acts from the cabaret circuit taking to the stage on Friday night along with DJ Kamp Kevin and On Sunday Lola Lasagne takes to the stage at 5.30pm followed by a  cabaret marathon from 7pm

A Tribute to Phil Starr @ The Aquarium Sunday 11th October

Local scene celeb's celebrate the life and time of the legendary icon and friend, Free entry with all donations to Pride and a Pride raffle. From 6.30pm. For details of who is performing go to: www.theaquariumtheatrbar.co.uk

Pride Halloween Quiz @ The PV at the Jurys Out Wednesday 28th October

£1 to enter all donated to Pride

Street collections Saturday 31^st October, 2pm-6pm

The Pride team will be hitting the streets and shaking our buckets in full Halloween fancy dress! Not to be missed!!

Pride Halloween @ The PV at the Jurys Out Saturday 31st October

With Madame Fanny Haddock doing Fanny's fortunes - palm reading, crystal ball, tarot, tea leaves and more

Pride Halloween weekend Fundraising Special @ The Amsterdam Friday 30^th October-Sunday 1^st November

More information to follow

Girls Do Pride @ Revenge Sunday 15^th November, doors 6.30pm

A fantastic evening of music and song featuring Amy Giles, Andrea Baily, Invocal, Nicky Mitchell, Greymatter, Andrea Kenny, Heads.hearts and more. Followed by DJs. £4, tickets available from the Revenge website and Prowler.

Pride Christmas Party @ Charles Street Wednesday 16^th December

A one-off opportunity to experience the highlights of this year’s main park event. Featuring performers from both the Women’s and the Cabaret tent. More information to follow

Please support these events and dig deep!

--ends—

Notes to editors:

Pride in Brighton & Hove

       I.            Pride is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) lives to which everyone is welcome.  We use the carnival parade and main park event to showcase the diversity and contribution that all people make as part of the LGBT community of Brighton and Hove and spread the message that sexual and gender discrimination are not acceptable. We believe homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and discrimination of any kind against LGBT people in Brighton and Hove or elsewhere have no place in today’s society.

     II.            Pride is a registered charity run by a board of voluntary trustees and a small staff team and supported by hundreds of volunteers. We work throughout the year to deliver the carnival parade and main park event, as well as other education and awareness raising activities and events.

For more information please contact: Pride in Brighton & Hove

Judith Manson, Fundraising and Communications Manager

E:      Tel: 01273 775939

For press images please contact: REALBrighton.com    E: