Plymouth Pride cancelled due to “lack of funding and volunteer support”

Plymouth Pride 2025, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 12, has been cancelled due to a “lack of national and local funding and a decline in volunteer support”, making it impossible to deliver the event this year.

Plymouth Pride is run entirely by a small group of volunteer directors, but this group has reduced in size each year. This year, organisers have said, “there are simply too few people involved to dedicate the necessary time and energy around our regular jobs”. Despite repeated public calls for help, very few people have come forward, leaving organisers without the support needed to run a safe and successful event.

In the spirit of transparency, last year’s Plymouth Pride cost over £33,000 to deliver, covering expenses such as security, medical services, production, and road closures. However, the event’s income fell short, with: sponsorships raising £19,000; traders and food & beverage income contributing £2,444; crowdfunding attempt raising just £180 (which could not be accessed).

With a total income of £21,444, organisers were left with a deficit of over £12,000, which wiped out any surplus built up over time.

While organisers had previously been awarded £10,000 from National Lottery, which went towards Plymouth Pride 2023 and 2024, this year’s application was unsuccessful.

In a statement, organisers said: “We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors and supporters who financially contributed towards last years event, including Councillors Penberthy, Goslin & Penrose, Babcock, City Bus, BT Group, Tesco, Livewell Southwest, NHS University Hospitals Plymouth, OMG, Moxy Hotels, Drake Circus & The Barcode, Plymouth Community Homes, Plymouth University, Harbour, Unite the Union, and Sirva. Your support has been invaluable, and we remain hopeful for your continued backing in 2026. We would also like to add a special mention to POP Collective – funding pots like this make community collaboration and impact possible in Plymouth.

“As we look to the future, for Plymouth Pride to remain free and sustainable, we need significantly more support—both financially and through volunteer participation. Without increased sponsorship, community donations, and volunteers, the future of Plymouth Pride is at serious risk.

“While the main event will not take place this year, we remain committed to keeping Pride alive. We are hoping to organise fundraising events throughout the year to build financial resilience and keep the community connected. Pride is not a single day event, but a legacy for equality and visibility in Plymouth.

“We urge the local community to get involved—whether by volunteering, donating, or offering sponsorship. Your support is vital to ensuring that Plymouth Pride can return in 2026 as a vibrant, safe, and inclusive celebration.”

For more information or to get involved, email: hello@PlymouthPride.co.uk