Pride in Luton to close, bringing an end to annual Pride festival and wider community work

Pride in Luton, the town’s leading LGBTQ+ charity, is to close after its trustees voted to dissolve the organisation and begin an orderly wind‑down, bringing an end to its flagship annual festival and wider community work.

In a statement issued by the charity, trustees confirmed that the Pride in Luton Festival planned for 13 June 2026 will no longer take place. Smaller events scheduled over the coming weeks will continue for now, with organisers promising to update the community should plans change.

Trustees described the decision as a profoundly difficult one, following what they called “a challenging year”. They concluded that the charity “no longer has the organisational capacity required to sustain the charity in a way that delivers the governance, stability and impact our community deserves.”

They added that responsible governance meant acknowledging when an organisation cannot continue to operate at the standard expected, choosing to close “with integrity rather than compromise quality or accountability”.

A formal and compliant wind‑down process is now under way. Trustees emphasised that all outstanding commitments will be fulfilled and any remaining funds will be used strictly in line with the charity’s original purposes and legal obligations.

The charity reflected proudly on its achievements since launching, highlighting its role in creating visible LGBTQIA+ celebration in Luton, supporting community connection, and contributing to inclusion and belonging across the town. They stressed that while Pride in Luton is closing, the need for “safe, affirming and community‑led LGBTQIA+ spaces in Luton remains as important as ever.”

In a message to supporters, the trustees thanked volunteers, performers, partners, sponsors and community members for their “time, trust and commitment”, noting that their contributions have shaped the charity’s journey from the outset.

The statement closed with a hopeful note that the energy and relationships built in recent years will continue to grow “in new and sustainable ways”.