Organisers of an event to celebrate Bradford’s lesbian, gay and bisexual communities have appealed for help in raising the funds needed to make sure this year’s celebration goes ahead.

The Bradford Pride Committee has taken over the organisation of the Bradford Pride event, which in previous years has been led by the Equity Partnership, Bradford’s lesbian, gay and bisexual strategic body.

The committee has revealed that it needs to raise at least £15,000 for the event to go ahead.

Some of that money has been raised already, but at least another £4,000 is needed.

This year’s event is due to be held at the Bradford Urban Garden on Saturday, May 21, to provide more room for the ever-growing event and avoid construction works outside City Hall.

Rachel Nauwelaerts, of the Equity Partnership and secretary of the Bradford Pride Committee, said: “The Equity Partnership never had funding to do Pride, it was just something we took up because we felt Bradford needed a Pride.

“Last year we talked about the volunteers doing it on a more independent footing.

“From November last year we agreed a constitution so it is the first year that Bradford Pride has been independent, although it is still using the funding, back-up and support of the Equity Partnership.”

She said the event had steadily been growing over the years, which was why it was this year due to be held in the Bradford Urban Garden.

She said: “In 2009 the Council estimated there were 5,000 people who came through Centenary Square and last year it was 10,000.

“If it builds again, Centenary Square wouldn’t have the capacity at the moment.”

  • Read the full story in Friday’s T&A