Pride organisers continue to appeal for support to save parade
Worthing Pride announced last week that its parade was at 'serious risk of being cancelled' due to a lack of sponsorship.
Organisers of the event said more than 35 businesses and 500 people were involved in the parade last year and as of April 25, only six businesses had applied.
Posts on the event's social media page previously called for support from Worthing West MP Beccy Cooper and Worthing Business Improvement District (Bid).
Pride director Gary Richardson said people are now beginning to engage although donations to the Go Fund Me as well as event sponsorship packages are still needed.
Participants in the Worthing Pride parade last year (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) The main event will go ahead and is being held on July 4 and 5 in Steyne Gardens.
Tickets can be purchased on the Worthing Pride website.
Mr Richardson also asked that 'members of the business community that benefit from the increased footfall to the town over pride weekend' make a 'donation of profits' to the event's Go Fund Me.
He added that a percentage of ticket sales from 'pride events' could be donated towards funds.
Headliners for the festival include Jo O'Meara from S Club and Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten fame.
Drag performers include Elektra Fence from RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
Ms Cooper said: 'Pride is an extremely important event for our town and one which I have always enjoyed taking part in.
MPs Beccy Cooper and Tom Rutland taking part in the parade last year (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) 'I very much hope it will return this year and am open to any contact from the organisation to find a way in which to show my support'.
READ MORE: Travel advice for pride weekend issued as more trains planned
A spokeswoman for Worthing Bid said: 'We have been approached by local pride organisers regarding support for their event.
'As with all partnership requests, we assess these on a case-by-case basis in line with our diversity and inclusion policy and organisation objectives.
'While recent communication has been challenging, we remain open to constructive dialogue and have invited the organisers to meet with us, as yet, this has not been accepted.
'That invitation still stands.'
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