Pride festival cancelled amid funding shortfall
BBCWakefield's Pride event has been cancelled after organisers said they suffered a "catastrophic" loss of grants and sponsorship.
Wakefield Pride and the Good Times Festival, due to take place at Thornes Park on 2 and 3 August, have both been postponed until 2026.
Both days were expected feature a different line-up of artists including Blazin' Squad and Toploader, according to Wakefield Council.
Ticket holders are being offered refunds or the chance to keep their ticket for next year's event, Wakefield Pride said.
Organisers said in a statement they had had to take the "difficult decision" to postpone until next year, after funding they were relying on was pulled.
"Despite frantic and extensive efforts by the team we have been unable to secure additional financial backing to keep the event afloat," they added.
A licensing application submitted to Wakefield Council last month said Wakefield Pride had partnered with the Good Times Festival this year, which was intended as a new event designed to act as a fundraiser to keep Sunday's Pride free to attend.
The application also requested a change of venue for the event, which has been held in the city centre in previous years with a stage in Trinity Walk.
Wakefield Pride said it had been working for over a year to deliver the weekend "with costings totalling over £265,000".
"This has been entirely funded by our committee and partners.
"A catastrophic loss of grants and sponsorships in the 11th hour that were promised this year meant the support we have had in previous years has melted away and we cannot proceed."
It added: "We thank you for your support and friendship, and we'd love your continued support in our future plans."
The Wakefield Pride team has organised the event since 2005, having gained charitable status in spring 2020.
The charity aims to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit, in particular the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
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