Pride in Brighton & Hove trustees called a press conference today to announce a public appeal for funds.

The Pride Trustees have identified a potential financial deficit following this year’s event of £50,000, caused by increased costs in staging the event, rising office utility costs, the general economic downturn and lower donations on the day caused by the dreadful weather.

The possible shortfall puts a question mark over whether it will be possible to mount a free event on the same scale in 2010, unless substantial funds are generated by December 2009.

Pride will be launching an appeal for donations to its members and the more than 3,000 subscribers to the Pride official Facebook site, many of whom enjoyed themselves on the park this year despite the rain.

Yvonne Barker, Chair of Pride said:
“It costs us £300,000 to stage this event. We are a charity and rely on the generosity of local businesses and individuals, who raise much needed funds. However, the truth is there are many more businesses in the city both straight and LGBT run that benefit enormously from the Pride festivities and yet contribute nothing towards the running costs. We will be approaching those businesses for donations, as well as going back to our traditional supporters for help.”

She continued:
“If we are unable to raise sufficient funds to cover the expected shortfall, we will need to seriously scale back next year’s Pride festivities and reduce the support we are able to give to local LGBT community groups."