Just months after announcing it would wind down, Pride in Luton has been given a lifeline after a new community-led team stepped forward to keep the organisation alive.
In March, Pride in Luton revealed it would dissolve as a charity and cancel its annual one-day festival, citing organisational capacity challenges after what trustees described as a difficult year.
The decision prompted a strong reaction from supporters across the town, and new organisers have now announced that Pride in Luton will continue under a new structure as a Community Interest Company (CIC).
The new-look organisation said the response to the closure announcement demonstrated how important LGBTQ+ spaces remain in Luton.
In a statement, the new Pride in Luton team said: “In a world that can still feel uncertain, the need for community-led LGBTQ+ spaces has never been more important.
“The overwhelming community response to the recent decision to wind down the registered charity due to organisation capacity challenges showed how deeply this work matters.
“Today, a new chapter begins. A passionate grassroots movement has stepped forward to keep Pride in Luton alive – owned by the community, for the community. It is transitioning to a Community Interest Company (CIC), a structure that ensures continued public benefit whilst offering greater flexibility and long-term sustainability.”
The new committee will be led by chair Natalie Ryan, a former trustee of the charity, alongside deputy chairs Michael Nanton-Knight, who co-chaired Pride in Luton between 2021 and 2023, and newcomer Hayley Richards.
Organisers said they plan to build on existing partnerships while creating new opportunities for collaboration across the town.
They added: “The new committee is delighted to continue strong partnerships with local organisations while exploring fresh collaborations. Special thanks go to The Bricklayers’ Arms, The Castle, and Brown Books community bookshop in High Town for their ongoing support and for helping create vital spaces for the community.”
Rather than attempting to organise a large-scale festival this year, the group plans to host a programme of smaller events throughout the year.
The statement continued: “This year, instead of a large-scale festival, Pride in Luton will deliver meaningful, accessible events throughout the year. The committee warmly invites anyone who wants to get involved to get in touch.”
The first event under the new era of Pride in Luton will take place this weekend with a mini Pride celebration in High Town.
High Town Road and Burr Street Square will be decorated for the occasion, with activities taking place at Brown Books Community Bookshop and The Bricklayers’ Arms, alongside smaller events in the surrounding area.
At Brown Books, between 11am and 2pm, visitors will be able to create fairy wings and wands and make Pride flags before heading to The Bricklayers Arms for an afternoon and evening of entertainment.
The pub event begins at 2pm and will feature DJs, a quiz with prizes and karaoke from 7.30pm. A special ale called Rainbow Hatter, supplied by Vale Brewery in Buckinghamshire, will also be available.
The mini Pride event has been organised following the cancellation of the larger Pride event that had been planned for this month.
Cllr Javeria Hussain, deputy chair of sponsors Luton Rising, said: “We applaud this initiative that ensures an ongoing Pride celebration in Luton this year and are pleased to support it.”
A spokesperson for the new Pride in Luton team said: “As Pride in Luton transitions into a new era, we remain dedicated to support and visibility of LGBTQ+ community and building a stable structure for lasting impact. This collaboration helps ensure resources and relationships built over the years continue to serve the communities that inspired our work from the beginning.”
The announcement has also attracted support from across the local LGBTQ+ community.
Responding to the news on social media, Natalie D’angelis, general manager and co-owner of Flame, Luton’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ venue, wrote: “Congratulations on keeping Pride in Luton alive. It’s fantastic to see the community rally behind such an important organisation.
“I wanted to reach out from Flame as we’d love to support Pride in whatever way we can. As Luton’s last dedicated LGBTQ+ venue, we’re passionate about supporting our community and would welcome a conversation about how we can work together, whether that’s events, fundraising, venue space or promotion.”
Organisers hope the new community-led model will provide a more sustainable future while ensuring LGBTQ+ people in Luton continue to have dedicated events, support and visibility across the town.
Be the first to comment