Andy Feest

Having been a long time supporter of Pride I attended the meeting at the Queens Hotel on Tuesday night.  I have to say I became very upset during the course of the evening.

In all the years I have supported Pride I have never seen a chair person of Pride so unwilling to see the local businesses as partners of Pride.

Her message seemed to be we don't need the business support.

Well in my view Pride must have the business support as well as the support of the community.

The Pride board's attitude needs to change and it needs to change very quickly because I really believe if it does not Pride 2010 may not happen.

There are many people who have done tremendous work and business's who have contributed over many years to make Brighton Pride the best. All these efforts are are being undone by the present board.

The Pride Board have at least acknowledged now that they have made mistakes with their statement which was issued Wednesday 18.       
"The trustees of Pride in Brighton and Hove acknowledge the passion of the views expressed at yesterday's public meeting and similarly acknowledge that, although acting with the best intentions, mistakes have been made by Pride. While there were many positive suggestions aired at the meeting, we cannot ignore our... critics, many of whom have been long time supporters of Pride. Trustees will be meeting tomorrow evening and at the top of the agenda will bean exploration of how we can reach out to businesses and all other parts of the community to enable us to work together ensuring that a safe and viable Pride Summer festival takes place in 2010 - something everyone clearly wants".

Yes it is clear it is something everyone wants. So my plea to the board is to really think about Wilde One's proposal which may well be the answer to Pride 2010 and even if you decide against their proposal to take over the responsibilty of Preston Park at least build bridges with them and get them on board as the production for the park like they have done so successfully for many years.

Wild Fruit and the cabaret tents MUST stay. And my final plea is to everyone who attends PRIDE it really is so important to make a realistic donation when you attend the park I would suggest a minimum £3.