Plymouth Pride 2025 Cancelled
Plymouth Pride 2025 Cancelled Due to Lack of Funding and Volunteer Support
CHALLENGES AROUND VOLUNTEER SUPPORT:
Plymouth Pride is run entirely by a small group of volunteer directors, but this group has reduced in size each year. This year, 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 us without the support needed to run a safe and successful event.
FINANCIAL CHALLENGES:
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
- A crowdfunding attempt raising just £180 (meaning we could not access this)
With a total income of £21,444, we were left with a deficit of over £12,000, which wiped out any surplus we had built up over time.
Breakdown of Plymouth Pride 2024 Expenses:
- Insurance: £1,180.20
- Security: £4,288.80
- Medical: £2,300.00
- Production: £15,308.90
- Waste Management: £426.97
- Safety officer: £432.00
- Toilets, fencing & fire stations: £2,512.68
- Land hire: £300.00
- Road closure & support: £1,764.63
- Circus Big Top Tent: £2,100.00
- Entertainment: £3,050.00
- Total: £33,664.18
Breakdown of Plymouth Pride 2024 Income:
- Rainbow village stall, and Food & Beverage stall fees: £2,444
- Sponsorship: £19,000
- Total: £21,444
This year we also applied for National Lottery funding in hopes of securing additional support, unfortunately we were unsuccessful. We have previously been awarded £10,000 from the Lottery, which went towards Plymouth Pride 2023 and 2024.
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS:
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.
THE FUTURE OF PLYMOUTH PRIDE:
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.