Photo: Jane Wrin

Following lengthy consideration, the Women's Performance Tent production team members are deeply concerned about the lack of viability engendered by the ethical, political, economic and practical issues surrounding the delivery of a quality event at Brighton Pride this year.
 
The organisers of Brighton Pride Women’s Performance Tent aim to provide:
* A safe, inclusive space
* A true community and political space
* A platform for local performers
* A showcase of the best female talent from around the world
 
We have delivered an effective event for the past 10 years, often in a volatile political and economic climate. We now plan the Women's Performance Tent event from January each year in order to deliver a high quality programme, with a vibrant showcase of women performers. The Women's Performance Tent at Brighton Pride, with support from Brighton Women's Centre, Brighton Pride, Brighton & Hove City Council and other donors, is designed as an effective event that delivers a strong profile and benefits for those organisations and the wider community.
 
This year, our resources and faith in the Pride planning process have been stretched beyond reasonable limits by that organisation's ad-hoc planning and poor communication.
 
On behalf of Brighton Women's Centre, we are no longer able to guarantee delivery of a credible, community-based political event in time to publicise it effectively and co-ordinate a crucial group of committed community volunteers to participate in that delivery.
 
Timescales and funding this year do not support the delivery of an effective event, including co-ordination of fundraising, publicity and volunteers. Adequate funding, promised on 10 February 2010 at a Brighton Pride community forum meeting, has still not been finalised. If we proceed, we run the risk of incurring debts for Brighton Women's Centre.
 
Responsibly, in terms of our own reputations and the well-being of all parties involved, we are not prepared to do this, and consider that the volatile political and economic climate surrounding Pride means we would take undue risks by proceeding.
 
The Women's Performance Tent production team has always been committed to working with women performers, volunteers, sponsors and other supporters to produce a vibrant, effective, professional event. We are aware that many of our valued audience members will share our disappointment. The production team will continue to plan live performance fundraising events throughout the year.
 
We hope that next year's planning, resources, communication and timescales enable production of the type of quality event that we have delivered consistently at Brighton Pride on Preston Park for the past 10 years, and are open to considering possibilities for 2011 within a realistic, practical and principled framework.
 
Sheila McWattie, Nicky Mitchell, Seffy, Al Start, Sue Shaw
On behalf of the Women's Performance Tent production team and Brighton Women’s Centre

Paul Elgood, leader of the LIB DEM group on Brighton and Hove Council said:
"It is extremely concerning that a growing number of backers are not supporting the event this year.  I am very sad that many of the key names associated with the event have now been lost.  These people have given so much over the years"

"The council needs to be doing more to ensure that the conditions of the Pride loan are met, for example through improved links with the business community. Public money must also ensure community gain from investment, this must be ensured."

Gill Mitchell, leader of the Labour Group on Brighton and Hove Council said:
"The City Council needs to show leadership and encourage Pride to explain themselves. Pride and events like it are what makes Brighton unique for everyone. A Pride without organisations like the womens centre and everyone involved with the Women's Performance Tent production team involved would not be the same."

Green Party Deputy Convenor Amy Kennedy said:
 “I’m truly disappointed that the Women’s Performance Tent looks unlikely to go ahead at Pride this year.  Pride embraces talent and diversity from all parts of the LGBT community, and the absence of this wonderful female element will be sorely missed.
 
“I hope very much that the Council will be able to work closely with Pride to continue to support the organisation through what have been rocky times.  Pride is our biggest annual event and we must do all we can to ensure it continues to be a yearly highlight for the community and visitors alike.”

Leader of the Council Mary Mears said:
“Following the concerns that have been raised with me about Pride, I am convening a meeting with senior officers and other political group leaders to try and find a way forward with this. Pride is a fantastic community event for the City and we want to do everything we can to make sure that it can continue to be so.”

A new facebook group called Brighton Pride Campaign for change has been set up:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=100258720026587&ref=ts