Organisers of Lincoln Pride issue plea to prevent “lifeline” Pride event from being cancelled

The organisers of Lincoln Pride, which is due to take place on 16 August, have issued a plea to prevent the “lifeline” LGBTQ+ event from being cancelled due to financial difficulties.

In a statement, Lincoln Pride, which attracted more than 8,500 people last year, said it had “turned to the community” for support as “many of our usual sponsors are unfortunately unable to help due to budget constraints”.

Arran Hart, director of community engagement for the event, said the committee had scaled back its costs from £85,000 to £50,000 in a bid to save it. According to Arran, the event’s infrastructure alone costs £45,000.

“All these things rapidly add up, and that’s before you put a single person on that stage,” Arran said.

“The event could happen if we had £50,000 but it wouldn’t be on the same scale.”

The annual celebration of Lincoln’s LGBTQ+ communities includes a parade through the city before the main event, with stage performances.

Arran added: “We’re a big believer that Pride should happen, even if it means we have to change the format.”

“Some [attendees] will be there because, like 16-year-old me, it will be their lifeline for the year that makes them feel not alone,” he said.

“We’ve come so far in a county that has traditionally not always been as accepting.”