Organisers of Durham Pride have signed a new agreement with Equity, the trade union representing around 50,000 performers and creative practitioners, marking a first for the event.
The deal sets minimum standards on pay, terms and conditions for performers appearing at Durham Pride, including drag artists, actors and cabaret acts. Alongside a similar agreement with Manchester Pride, it is among the first of its kind to be negotiated by Equity with Pride organisers.
The announcement comes after Durham County Council, led by Reform UK, withdrew the event’s funding entirely for this year. Despite the cut, Durham Pride is set to go ahead as planned on Saturday, 30 May.
Representatives from Durham Pride will attend Equity’s annual conference, which runs in the city from Saturday, 9 May to Monday, 11 May. They are due to take part in a presentation on Saturday evening celebrating the region’s trade union history and Pride movement.
Graham Robson
Equity’s general secretary, Paul W Fleming, said the agreement would be highlighted as an early success at what he described as a “campaigning conference”.
“We’re starting with a win - celebrating one of the UK’s first collective agreements for a Pride event, based in the City of Durham,” he said. “The hosts of our conference venue at the Miners’ Hall are the Durham Miners’ Association, who fought for and funded Durham Pride when the Reform County Council pulled the plug.
“We’re excited to bring Equity delegates to the Pitman’s Parliament, an incredible place which is testament to what our movement can build when we’re accountable, aspirational, collective, and industrial.”
Dominic Bascombe, Equity’s official for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, said the agreement underlined the importance of union-backed standards for performers.
“This agreement with Durham Pride UK is a recognition of the importance of union-agreed terms and conditions in all workplaces with Equity members,” he said.
“The Durham Pride agreement, the Manchester Pride agreement, and others we expect to see signed this year celebrate the equality and hard-won rights of the LGBT+ community, while upholding that spirit through decent conditions for their workforce. It is Equity’s ambition to make union agreements the norm for Pride events across the country.”
Mel Metcalf, chair of Durham Pride UK, said organisers were “really pleased” to be leading the way.
“A safe, fair and equitable working environment is what we strive for every year,” she said. “This year’s Pride is set to be the biggest and best yet.”
Performers have also welcomed the move. Durham-based drag artist Miss Tess Tickle said the agreement represented important recognition for those at the heart of Pride celebrations.
“As a North East drag artist, I’m really proud to see Durham Pride taking this step and working with Equity to set proper minimum standards for performers,” she said.
“Drag, cabaret and live performance are a huge part of what makes Pride celebrations vibrant and meaningful, and the artists who give their time, energy and creativity deserve fair pay, clear terms and professional respect.”
She added that the agreement could set a precedent for other events across the UK.
“This is a positive move not just for Durham Pride, but for Pride events across the region and the UK. It shows that our community celebrations can also lead the way in supporting the people who bring them to life on stage.”
Miss Tickle also praised organisers for pressing ahead with the event despite the loss of council funding.
“It’s inspiring to see the event going ahead despite the recent budget cuts,” she said. “Pride has always been built on resilience and community support, and this moment reflects exactly that.”
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