Latest news with #WorthingPride
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.
Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful UK seaside town 11 miles from Brighton loved by tourists but not as busy
Worthing offers a more comfortable pace of life and less congestion, as well as easy access to Brighton's culture, clubs and amenities, making it an excellent choice for a seaside stay The party city of Brighton is often jam packed with rowdy crowds of visitors after a good time. But a neighbouring town, just 11 miles down the road offers an appealing experience that's more relaxed and less crowded, but still jam-packed with its own unique charm. Worthing offers a comfortable and laid-back vibe, making it ideal for those who want to unwind by the sea without the buzz of a busy city in the background. Another key reason to visit Worthing is affordability — accommodation, dining and general expenses tend to be significantly lower than in major UK seaside resorts, making it the perfect option for visitors who want to enjoy a coastal holiday without the premium price tag. The town boasts beautiful natural surroundings, including the South Downs National Park to the north and a unique marine environment, known as the Worthing Lumps, featuring underwater chalk reefs that are among the best in Europe. These natural features offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking, cycling and watersports. The town also benefits from a temperate oceanic climate with pleasant sea breezes, enhancing the experience for visitors who enjoy nature and leisure in the great outdoors. The town also has its own historic pleasure pier, opened in 1862 and designed by Sir Robert Rawlinson, which stretches 290m into the sea, featuring a promenade, amusement arcade, tearoom and pavilion. It won the National Piers Society's Pier of the Year award twice — in 2006 and 2019 — and remains a central attraction for walking, fishing and enjoying the incredible seaside views. While Brighton is renowned for its vibrant artistic and nightclub scenes, Worthing has been developing its own cultural identity with annual events such as the Worthing Festival, Artists' Open Houses, open-air concerts and Worthing Pride, with 2025's instalment falling on 4 and 5 July. The town also celebrates unique traditions such as wassailing — an ancient custom, particularly in cider-producing regions of England, believed to help ensure a good apple harvest — in Tarring, which took place on 5 January earlier this year. The event typically includes a procession through the village, followed by a ceremony at a pub garden, where a wassail chant is read and cider is offered to the trees. Worthing's location is another key advantage, just 11 miles west of Brighton, making it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds. Visitors can stay in the quieter, more affordable town of Worthing, but still make the short trip to Brighton for shopping, nightlife and cultural activities, allowing for flexibility while not having to endure Brighton's higher costs and bustling crowds on a daily basis. Drivers will appreciate Worthing's accessible parking and lower levels of traffic congestion compared with Brighton — where parking is limited and often expensive, making exploring the town and surrounding areas convenient and stress-free. Worthing appeals to those who prefer a quieter, more affordable seaside town with beautiful natural surroundings and growing cultural scene, offering a comfortable pace of life, less congestion and easier parking, as well as providing easy access to Brighton's culture.
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.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pride parade at 'serious risk' of being cancelled
A pride parade is at 'serious risk' of being cancelled, organisers have claimed. Posting on their Facebook page on Friday, organisers of Worthing Pride said that it had seen a decline in businesses applying to take part and no sponsors so far. They said: "Last year we had over 35 local businesses and 500 people involved in the parade. "This year we have had six businesses apply apply to date. "We also have no parade sponsor this year. Its a real tough time for all Pride [events]." The event is being held on July 4 and 5 in Steyne Gardens. 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. READ MORE: Car crashes into dog food shop 'for the third time' The organisers called for businesses to sponsor the parade and for people to sign up to take part. They said: "The parade costs over £6,000 a year for us to run, insurance costs, road closures, health and safety fees, fees to the council and this isn't something we can continue to fund without support. "We receive no support from the council or charities to fund the event. The parade cannot be free due to these costs to keep everyone safe. "We have reduced the cost of parade entry to £10 per person which includes a free ticket into the main park on Saturday. "We are looking for a sponsor to support us like previous years: Nandos, Pasante Healthcare, Goring Hall, HSBC have all taken over the parade sponsorship but this year we have had no luck! "Without to interests from participants to take part and a sponsor we will regrettably have to cancel this year's parade aspect of Pride." The first Worthing Pride event took place in 2018. In 2021, the event was postponed until September due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Businesses or individuals who can support the parade financially have been encouraged to email sales@
