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Pride goes ahead despite dwindling sponsorship

Alex Pope
News imagePeterborough Pride A rainbow-coloured banner has the words "love is love" printed on it and there are streamers coming from the bottom of the banner. A tower can be seen in the background.Peterborough Pride
The day began with a colourful parade through the city

The organisers of a city's Pride event said it has attracted fewer sponsors than in previous years.

Peterborough Pride took place on Saturday with a free parade from 13:00 BST followed by a pay-to-attend "colourful festival" at The Embankment from 14:00.

Teddi Smith, its chairperson, said funding had "dwindled dramatically" and local funding had "completely dried up".

They said it was held to celebrate "the LGBTQIA community" and said up to 5,000 were expected to have attended.

News imagePeterborough Pride A crowd of people are standing behind a metal barrier. There are tents and stalls in the backgroundPeterborough Pride
Crowds gathered to enjoy the entertainment

Smith said it was the "brightest, most colourful festival that Peterborough has to offer".

"When I first started as chair back in 2021, we had fantastic commercial sponsorships and funding and that was regularly available and that has dwindled dramatically.

"The local funding has completely dried up."

News imageTeddi Smith Teddi Smith is seen in a blurred shot posing in front of a painting of a person's eyes. They have long fair hair and are wearing a pink top.Teddi Smith
Teddi Smith said thousands attended the event

They believe it was due to Donald Trump getting into power in the US and American businesses in the city ending their endorsement.

"So we lost two massive sponsors because of that, another one was due to the Israel War," Smith added.

"Also the LGBT community isn't really in vogue at the moment.

"So therefore, businesses don't think that they need to use us anymore.

"They believe Pride should be funded by their local councils - they're not, but they should be".

News imagePeterborough Pride Divina de Campo is on a stage. They are wearing an elaborate pink, white and blue outfit and have hair the same colours.Peterborough Pride
Divina de Campo gave it their all
News imagePeterborough Pride Four people are on a stage dancing. There are crowds of people watching and milling around and there are tents and stalls in the background.Peterborough Pride
Dancers and musicians entertained the eager crowd

Peterborough City Council said: "We are fully supportive of Peterborough Pride and have worked with organisers to help ensure that the event takes place safely and can be enjoyed safely by everyone involved.

"As the march is taking place in the pedestrianised area of the city centre and sticking mainly to pavements, no road closures are required."

Smith said: "We still have a long way to go and a long way to fight for as well especially with our trans sisters and brothers because they are the ones at the moment being targeted the most.

"It's incredibly important to come along and support local Pride."

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