Birmingham Pride boss announces plans to make event completely free by 2027
Birmingham Pride parade in 2022 (Getty Images for the Birmingham 2022 Festival)
Birmingham Pride boss Lawrence Barton has announced his goal of making the city’s annual celebration completely free to attend by next year.
Barton has been the director of Birmingham Pride since 2009, but has revealed he intends to leave after the 30th anniversary comes in 2027.
This year, the Pride festival has had prices cut significantly to make it more accessible due to concerns surrounding the cost of living crisis.
The parade itself is free to attend, but it is followed by a two-day event for which attendees must buy a ticket.
However Barton has told BirminghamLive that he intends to make it completely free for its special 30th anniversary in 2027.
He said: “In 1997 I attended the first Birmingham Pride, 2027 will be the 30th anniversary. I’d love to bring it full circle. In my own mind, I’d love for it to be a free festival.”
The event was free to attend in the past, however organisers found the need to balance costs for security, cleaning and talent.
But Barton says it is possible to make it free, and he will resign once he does it.
“I feel like once that’s done, I think it’ll be my time to then say, we brought it full circle and I will need to pass the baton on,” he said.
Birmingham Pride 2026 line-up
This year’s Birmingham Pride is taking place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May.
Performers on the Saturday include Katy B, Sigala and Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard.
On the Sunday, Girls Aloud icon Nadine Coyle headlines, while Björn Again, Boney M and Amelle of Sugababes fame will perform.
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