Pride Reprieved
As HIP goes to press it seems hopeful that the Hastings Pride Festival at the Oval and LGBTQI+ parade through town on 25 August will go ahead after an 11th hour reprieve. The Pride organisers had announced it was “cancelled in its entirety” because of “a considerable funding and sponsorship deficit,” in a surprise social media post.
However, local taxi firm 247247 has stepped up to provide full financial backing, “if they (Pride) can resolve all necessary arrangements for it to proceed.” 247 Transport Solutions directors, Chris Vale and Tony Rose, told HIP: “We are sponsoring Pride; it has to go ahead… 247 Taxis and Coaches and all our drivers and staff firmly believe that Hastings Pride is one of the most important events in our town, fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity in our community. Our sponsorship aims to support the continuation of this event and its positive impact on our local community.”
Vale and Rose, who also support other community initiatives, “want to get more involved” to help Pride organisers grow contacts with local businesses and ensure future funding.
Hastings Pride is among many similar events in the UK and internationally to have suffered financial and political difficulties or been cancelled during 2024.
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