DESPITE its previous financial woes, Brighton Pride has been saved, as organisers have been chosen to take over the running of the Cityâs popular annual event.
A newly established group was chosen by Brighton and Hove City Council on Tuesday (6 March) to run the parade and ticketed festival in Preston Park.
The new group, Pride Brighton and Hove, will donate £1 of every ticket sold to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender charities.
In a report the council said the event had not been "financially successful" for the previous organisers, Pride South East.
The festival, which traditionally runs every summer in the City, had debts of £200,000 and it was looking increasingly likely to face closure.
This year's pride will be held on the slightly later date of Saturday, 1 September, because of pressure on public services such as the police, due to the London 2012 Olympics.
Despite the Preston Park event being free for many years, last year saw revellers having to pay to enter and the council has asked that this should be the case again this year, due to health and safety concerns.
One of the organisers, Michael Deol, said the festival was 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," he said.
A council spokesperson said it initially received two proposals for running Pride.
"Pride Brighton and Hove are a new community interest company that has committed to ring fence a proportion of ticket income from the planned park event to go directly to charity to benefit the local LGBT community," said the spokesperson.
"Pride is an important event for the city - not only for residents and visitors but also our economy."
"While Pride is not a council-run event, the local authority works closely with the police, the fire brigade, residents and local businesses to ensure Pride is successful and safe."
Tickets will be on sale soon and you can now follow the festival on Twitter @PrideBrighton
Article courtesy of Love Brighton, the free weekly paper for Brighton and Hove.
