Cleveland pride at risk of being cancelled unless it raises £4k within weeks

Cleveland Pride 20245 is at risk of being cancelled unless £4,000 is raised within weeks, organisers say. They have made an urgent call for extra support and are asking businesses and

community leaders to come forward. Curious Arts, the team behind the event, says Cleveland Pride is a "vital celebration of diversity, inclusion and the resilience of LGBTQIA+

communities" in the region. It comes in the wake of a series of Prides being cancelled across the country due to spiralling costs and lack of support. Plymouth Pride’s main event was

cancelled due to a £12,000 funding gap, while Southampton Pride in the Park was axed after a “massive dip” in funding left organisers out of pocket. Phil Douglas, chief executive of Curious

Arts said: “Not everyone fully embraced the idea of Cleveland Pride when we first started conversations and shared that the event was happening, but we believe with the rising hate crimes

nationally and shocking stats of loneliness of LGBTQIA+ people in the region that it is important to encourage more understanding and make sure everyone feels seen, celebrated and included.

"We know there is desire and energy for Cleveland Pride; already we have dozens of stallholders have signed up, hundreds of people took part in our ‘Have Your Say’ surveys, and the joy

and solidarity seen in the lead-up to the event is incredibly powerful to see, even in the face of the online hate we received after last year’s event.” Organisers say local support is

growing but more is needed. Sponsors already announced include Foster With North East, Cleveland Fire Brigade and Unison Redcar. Planning support has also been provided by the Woodsmith

Foundation. Independent local makers and traders, including Hand Made By Betty, Bat Makes, Sketchy and Spicy, Bubblicious, The Shiba Bean, The Rainbow Baker, Art By Charlotte, and Fruit

Salad Apparel, have signed up to the event's community market. Organisers are asking local businesses to either contribute directly or become named sponsors in order to ensure the event

can take place. Phil added: "We only need £4,000 to make this happen. With your help, we can ensure Cleveland Pride 2025 brings people together in celebration, solidarity, and safety.

Cleveland Pride is more than a party, it’s a lifeline for LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion and belonging in Tees Valley." A public Crowdfunder is live now. JOIN TEESSIDE LIVE'S

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