Latest news with #GaryRichardson
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Worthing Pride's future no longer in doubt after sponsor steps in
A town's pride event will go ahead after its future was thrown into doubt. Worthing Pride, scheduled for July 4 and 5 at Steyne Gardens, was at risk of cancellation due to unexpected financial constraints. In April, organisers said the funds needed to cover the parade costs were missing due to lack of sponsorship and community uptake. This was after only six businesses had applied, compared to 35 the previous year. However, British Airways Euroflyer has now pledged enough funds to secure the festival's future for the next two years. (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) British Airways Euroflyer said the partnership with Worthing Pride underscores the airline's commitment to supporting the LGBTQI+ community. Pride director, Gary Richardson said: "Firstly, the local community business response to our GoFundMe and Community Angels project has been nothing short of outstanding. "This has demonstrated that our local businesses fully support Pride and do not wish to see it leave our town. "I am thrilled to be able to announce this fantastic partnership with Pride and BA Euroflyer the funding that has been raised by our local community will go hand in hand with the BA Euroflyer funding to ensure Pride in Worthing is here to stay. "These funds will ensure for the next two years we can offer free entry into our fantastic parade. Showcasing that our amazing town and businesses stand by our LGBTQi+ community. "The last two years, the parade theme has been protecting trans lives, and the same stands for 2025. Parade participants are encouraged to dress in blue, white and pink to show their support for trans and non-binary community members. Karen Hilton, managing director, BA Euroflyer said: "We are proud to serve Sussex and play an active role in supporting local communities from our home at London Gatwick, and it's important to us that all our customers and colleagues feel respected and included. "Our commitment to inclusion continues all year round particularly through our Flying Proud colleague network, and Pride events are a vital part of this in raising awareness of issues that affect the LGBTQi+ community. "We are thrilled to secure Worthing Pride's future for the next two years and look forward to joining in with the celebrations this summer." The first Worthing Pride event took place in 2018, and with funding now secured, the 2025 celebration will mark its eighth year.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pride organisers continue to appeal for support to save parade
A pride event is continuing to ask for support as its parade is at risk of being cancelled. Worthing Pride announced last week that its parade was at 'serious risk of being cancelled' due to a lack of sponsorship. Organisers of the event said more than 35 businesses and 500 people were involved in the parade last year and as of April 25, only six businesses had applied. Posts on the event's social media page previously called for support from Worthing West MP Beccy Cooper and Worthing Business Improvement District (Bid). Pride director Gary Richardson said people are now beginning to engage although donations to the Go Fund Me as well as event sponsorship packages are still needed. Participants in the Worthing Pride parade last year (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) The main event will go ahead and is being held on July 4 and 5 in Steyne Gardens. Tickets can be purchased on the Worthing Pride website. Mr Richardson also asked that 'members of the business community that benefit from the increased footfall to the town over pride weekend' make a 'donation of profits' to the event's Go Fund Me. He added that a percentage of ticket sales from 'pride events' could be donated towards funds. Headliners for the festival include Jo O'Meara from S Club and Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten fame. Drag performers include Elektra Fence from RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Ms Cooper said: 'Pride is an extremely important event for our town and one which I have always enjoyed taking part in. MPs Beccy Cooper and Tom Rutland taking part in the parade last year (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) 'I very much hope it will return this year and am open to any contact from the organisation to find a way in which to show my support'. READ MORE: Travel advice for pride weekend issued as more trains planned A spokeswoman for Worthing Bid said: 'We have been approached by local pride organisers regarding support for their event. 'As with all partnership requests, we assess these on a case-by-case basis in line with our diversity and inclusion policy and organisation objectives. 'While recent communication has been challenging, we remain open to constructive dialogue and have invited the organisers to meet with us, as yet, this has not been accepted. 'That invitation still stands.'
BBC News
28-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Worthing Pride parade could be cancelled over sponsorship
A Pride parade in West Sussex might not go ahead this year because organisers have failed to raise enough Pride parade costs about £6,000 to operate, with a main sponsor usually covering half that amount and participants contributing the remaining organiser Gary Richardson said he had unsuccessfully been trying to secure sponsorship since September and warned the event might be cancelled unless that changes."We have seen the town flourish and make a statement since Pride began [here] in 2018 - it would be such a shame for the parade to be cancelled," said Mr Richardson. In an effort to raise money, Mr Richardson is now asking businesses to chip in £500 each, rather than trying to secure a main rest of the money needed to run the parade usually comes from individuals and groups buying tickets to be in the event for £10, which also allows them access to the main festival in Steyne a drop in people applying to take part has meant that, so far, no money has been Richardson said: "I'm confident that we can do it, we hope businesses will get involved."There is little more than two months until Worthing Pride 4-5 July. The parade is scheduled for 12:00 BST on 5 July.
