Following a board meeting last night, Pride in Brighton and Hove have announced how they intend to move forward towards staging an event on Preston Park in 2010.

The board have considered the Wilde Ones rescue plan to stage the event in 2010 with exactly the same attractions on the park as this year, including the various separate community tents. However, Pride feel that because the tender process has already commenced for not only the production contracts but also the security contracts, they cannot consider the Wilde Ones rescue proposal at this time as they have other offers on the table for consideration as a result of the tendering process they are engaged in. New chair, Robert Clothier said: “It would be unfair on those companies that responded to the tender invitations and we must allow that process to be concluded. Of course, if our assessment is that none of the tenders are viable, then we will look at other proposals.”
 
Pride acknowledges public concerns about their proposal to axe the dance tent on the park and, having heard the opposition to its plans, have reconsidered them. A dance tent will be a feature of the park again in 2010 and it will be inviting proposals from interested parties. Pride will be looking for proposals that try to cover the associated costs - even if this means the operator making an entry charge.

The cabaret tent has also been re-considered as a key area for 2010, along with established community areas.

Following suggestions at the public meeting, Pride will be seeking an independent person, acceptable to the business community and voluntary sector to facilitate separate forums to try and find ways that both sectors can work in harmony with Pride.

A person has been suggested to Pride by people from the different sectors and he is being consulted with at the moment. An announcement about the person concerned is promised shortly.

Other proposals announced include moving the member’s area into the new proposed ‘Community Heart’ of the park.

Pride acknowledge there are two years left on their bars contract with Paul Kemp and Aeon Events and will be looking to allow a similar number of bars on Preston Park next year as they had this year as part of that three year contract.

Pride feel their cash flow position is looking healthier than previously announced and hope it will improve even more with a series of fundraisers in December.

A list of the fundraisers will be announced shortly.

The boards decision to announce these proposals followed a bad tempered public meeting at the Queens Hotel on Tuesday night (17) followed by the resignation of the Chair of Pride, Yvonne Barker yesterday (19).

In her letter of resignation, Ms Barker sited alleged bullying by members of the business community, gay press and vested local business interests since Pride tabled their proposals to scale back next years event as the reasons for her resignation from the board. She also accepted the responsibility for the break down in relations between some of the community groups and local businesses.

Despite the heated debate on the future of Pride, you can support fundraising events over the coming months at the following venues.
 
The Maydays @ Caroline of Brunswick, Friday 20th November
The Maydays go back to their roots to perform some high-quality, insanely funny, respectfully daft, utterly fascinating, downright charming, beautifully engaging improv fun! See the games you know, and some you don’t, performed to the highest standard. “Any one of these actors could easily hold their own with Merton, Frost or Jupitus” – Chortle.  Tickets £7 from www.wegottickets.com/event/63727 50% of all ticket sales to Pride. 8.30pm
 
Drop Your Frock for Pride @ Latest Music Bar, Friday 20th November
Frockabilly, Brighton ’s only queer-run, straight-friendly 1950s-themed club night, is back.  Promoter and DJ, Lonesome M, will play classic 1950s rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll and R&B from 10pm. 10pm-2am. £5 on the door.

The PV's 6th birthday Quiz night @ The PV, Wednesday 25th November
Join the girls and boys as they raise the roof to celebrate six years of PV magic with a special quiz night raising money for Pride.
 
Pride Christmas Party @ Charles Street, Wednesday 16th December
A one-off opportunity to experience the highlights of this year’s main park event. Hosted by Lady James and Nicky Mitchell and featuring performers from both the Women’s and the Cabaret tent. Enjoy a champagne reception, three course Christmas menu, fabulous auction with celebrity auctioneer Mark Stacey and a full evening of entertainment for just £25 per person (£11.81 from each ticket to Pride). Please contact the Pride office for a booking form on 01273 775939.
 
Santa Bar Boy Auction @ Vavoom, Saturday December 19
Christmas Special. For that extra special Xmas Dish bid for a Bar Boy and get a complimentary meal with your Bar Boy at a local restaurant.