Gay pride grant secures future
ORGANISERS of Doncaster's gay pride festival believe they have secured the event's future with a £24,500 lottery grant.
The grant was confirmed today and is understood to more than cover the loss of Doncaster Council support which ended after last year's event.
But for the first time an admission charge is being introduced - the previous three events were free.
This year's festival on August 21 will he held at Doncaster Racecourse rather than in Doncaster Market place.
It will feature two entertainment stages, and there will be an entertainment budget for the first time in a bid to attract bigger acts.
Vice chairwoman Jenny Dewsnap said the introduction of the admission fee would allow for funds to be raised in advance to pay for the 2011 festival.
But she added that the lottery award would only pay for the festival for one year.
She said: "The grant is around 24,500 and will help with major core costs such as stage, lighting and sound equipment.
"It will also ensure the new venue is safe and secure for visitors and complies with all legislation on safety and security, first aid and stewarding as well as insurance costs.
"The move to the Racecourse for what is the 4th annual Doncaster Pride has brought with it some significant increases in costs and as a committee we want to look to a sustainable future with the security of the event being paramount."
Last year's event was estimated to have attracted between 8,000 and 10,000 visitors.
Organisers are hoping to attract similar numbers this year.
This year the festival is operating on a budget which is around double that of 2009.
This year's Walk of Unity will begin at Elmfield Park on South Parade, and follow a route up Bennetthorpe to the Racecourse, a straight, flat route of just under a mile.
Organisers are still looking for sponsors and fundraising for the 2010 festival.
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