TL;DR
- Durham Pride 2026 will proceed despite funding cuts.
- Trade unions raised over £15,500 to support the event.
- Reform UK ended council funding for Pride events.
- The celebration promises to be bigger and better.
- A Pride flag was raised at Durham Castle.
In a stunning display of community resilience, Durham Pride is set to strut its fabulous self into 2026, despite a funding fiasco courtesy of Reform UK. Yes, you heard that right! The annual celebration, which is scheduled for May 30, will go ahead thanks to the tireless efforts of trade unions and supporters who have raised over £15,500 to fill the gaping hole left by the council’s funding cuts. Talk about a glow-up!
Once upon a time, Durham County Council was the proud financial backer of this vibrant event, but that all changed when Reform UK took the reins and decided that taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for what they labeled as “contested causes.” Deputy council leader Darren Grimes made it crystal clear: “Durham Pride won’t be getting a single penny from this council next year.” But guess what? The LGBTQ+ community and its allies weren’t about to let that slide.
With a fierce determination that would make any drag queen proud, trade unions including the TUC and the Durham Miners Association rallied together to ensure that Pride would not only survive but thrive. They launched a fundraising campaign that attracted widespread support, proving that when the community comes together, magic happens. TUC regional secretary Dave Pike said it best: “While the Reform party is promoting division, I am proud to stand alongside the LGBT-plus community in Durham.” Can I get an amen?
And it gets even better! The performers’ union Equity stepped up with a whopping donation of £7,200, making it clear that they won’t let the cultural sector be stifled. Equity President Lynda Rooke passionately declared, “Equity – your union – will not allow a Pride event that brings work for our members and celebrates our performers to die.” You better believe it, Lynda!
As if that wasn’t enough, Durham Pride is gearing up to be “bigger and better than ever.” The event will kick off with a parade from Palace Green to The Sands, followed by a day filled with live performances, speeches, and activities that will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in all its glory. If you thought last year was a blast, just wait until you see what’s in store!
But let’s not forget the political drama that has unfolded. Under Reform UK’s administration, a Pride flag was removed from County Hall, and councils controlled by them have been banned from displaying LGBTQ-themed rainbow flags in council buildings. However, in a bold act of defiance, a Pride flag has been raised at Durham Castle ahead of the celebrations, sending a clear message that love will always triumph over hate.
As Durham Pride gears up to celebrate its 11th anniversary, the community is more united than ever. With headliner Clare Richards from Steps set to light up the stage, tickets and more information are available on the official Durham Pride website. So mark your calendars and get ready to party, because this Pride event is not just a celebration; it’s a statement!