There is shock in the air in the Sussex seaside town of Brighton, England today after an announcement that for the first time ever, it’s Pride festivals are not going to be free!
Brighton Pride has always been one of the most popular pride weekends in the whole country, as well as being the UK’s largest and one of Europe's biggest FREE gay pride events.
yet in a shock move, this year it’s been announced Brighton Pride tickets sold on the day will cost £17.50. Almost £20, for a few hours in a park, already sparking anger among many in the seaside towns large gay community. There is even speculation of a ‘Boycott Greedy Pride’ group, aimed at boycotting all ‘Brighton Pride’ organised events and mounting their own free bash over Pride weekend.
This is the first time the festival has charged an entry fee and the new organisers claim it’s necessary to ensure safety. There is some good news for local residents, who will be able to buy ‘early bird’ tickets priced at £8.50 for a limited period. Better hurry, because that’s a very short window. General ticket price after the early discount has finished will set you back £12.50. and then on the day £17.50.
In another surprise move, there is to be no concessions for students, unemployed or even disabled and elderly people. Many believe this short sightedness by the new Pride committee will have far reaching implications for the city, and it’s a appeal as such a inviting place for gay visitors.
A statement posted on Brighton Pride’s website confirmed the charges, and claimed it was justified to control visitor numbers, fund “frontline LGBT services” and dissuade troublemakers. The capacity of the Pride side, Preston Park in the north of the city has not been set, nor has proper provision of emergency and support services. However, reports are circulating that around 45,000 tickets will go on sale. Last year, despite of poor weather, around 160,000 gathered at the park for the festival, with a further estimated 43,000 watching the parade through the streets.
The Brighton Pride committee has already come under fire for not giving as much money to charity as it should. This is about to get a whole lot worse, after Judith Mason told gay website’s
“None of the money from ticket sales is going to charitable causes. But all of the money from bucket donations is being ring-fenced for charity and voluntary groups.
This shock admission will no doubt cause much anger and resentment in the gay community, who believed a possible entrance fee would have gone to help local charities and groups. Much needed funds in the current economic situation as government grants and funding has been withdrawn.
“But will people want to donate by throwing cash in a bucket after they have paid an extortionate entry fee in the first place?” Asked gay rights campaigner and local writer Jason Shaw. “Many see the high price of tickets as an insult, especially to our visitors from out of town. I fear for many, it will be to higher price to pay”
Judith Manson has responded : “We’ve kept ticket prices as low as we possibly can. I just have to remind everyone why we are doing this – to make it safer and more enjoyable for everyone”
“After last year we had an extensive consultation and everyone said something’s got to change, that it was too busy, too crowded”
Brighton Pride’s claim that “The statutory bodies said that Pride has to be ticketed and fenced as it’s the only way to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone.” has also been disputed. A Brighton and Hove City council spokesperson flatly denied that they. the council had forced the pride committee to charge an entry fee of this amount.
Already Brighton Pride’s Facebook page has been swamped with questions, worries and complaints.
“They are so busy putting a spin on everything and treating us all like idiots. Shame on all of you are Pride”
“Most gay people are willing to pay including me but don't rip us off”
Your site itself says 'Non-profit organisation'
You may want to change that...
What a total rip off......
This will kill Pride!! People would have been more than happy to pay a few pounds and the organisers would have made a healthy profit for charity. By charging this total rip off price people will boycott the park, as I will. Let's all party on the beach like has been suggested.
These are just some of the complaints and comments made so far, more are adding their voice all the time. Another thing that is concerning many people is Brighton Prides figures about how much needs to be raised and how much is going to charity. In previous years, Pride traditionally receives around £60,000 from bars concessions, the fairground/market/catering gets in excess of £40,000, then comes sponsorship, which has in previous years been as high as £110,000. Then on top of that, there is the collections in the bars and clubs of the city, and local businesses, which on average, according to reports is around £30,000 mark. It’s been reported that the bucket collections at the park take between £15 and 20,000
Is this the death of Brighton Pride?
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