Wakefield Pride 2025 cancelled amid funding and licensing challenges
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Wakefield’s annual Pride Festival, a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and inclusion, has been officially cancelled for 2025 following a series of setbacks involving funding shortfalls and licensing complications.
Organisers had initially planned to relocate the event to Thornes Park, partnering with the newly launched Good Times Festival to help raise funds and keep Pride Sunday free to attend.
A licensing application was submitted to Wakefield Council for music, dance, and alcohol sales across the weekend of 2–3 August. However, the application faced delays and public objections, and was ultimately not approved in time to proceed with the event as planned.
The Wakefield Pride team, which has run the festival since 2005 and gained charitable status in 2020, expressed disappointment over the cancellation. “We’ve worked tirelessly to keep Pride accessible and inclusive,” a spokesperson said. “Unfortunately, without the necessary permissions and financial support, we cannot deliver the safe and vibrant event our community deserves.”
The cancellation comes amid a broader trend of reduced corporate sponsorship for Pride events across the UK and internationally. Organisers in other cities have reported significant budget shortfalls this year, with some major brands pulling back from LGBTQ+ partnerships.
Despite the setback, Wakefield Pride organisers remain committed to their mission of promoting equality and raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. Plans are already underway to explore alternative formats and venues for 2026.
