Lottery grant gives boost to cash-strapped Doncaster Pride
May 21st, 2010 by Chloe.Setter
Doncaster Pride has received a £24,500 grant from the National Lottery following the council’s decision to scrap funding for the event last year.
The cash will cover the costs of stage lighting and sound equipment at the show, which is being held on 21 August from 2pm at its new home of Doncaster Racecourse.
The grant was much needed after Doncaster Council withdrew its funding for the event last year when the town’s newly elected mayor, English Democrat Peter Davies, slashed the authority’s £3,000 support for the festival.
In addition, he opposed the event, which attracts thousands of people and is in its fourth year, being held in its usual place in the market area, therefore it will now move to the racecourse instead.
Jenny Dewsnap, of the organising committee, told the Yorkshire Post: “The mayor is entitled to his opinion, but we want to make Doncaster Pride a permanent and sustainable event in the town.
“This lottery money will mean that we can host the day’s events on the racecourse and cover all the core costs associated with the event like stewards and first aid.
“We have decided to introduce a small entrance charge of £3 this year, so if we get 8,000 people through the turnstiles, all the money raised can be used for Pride 2011.”
According to the paper, the mayor was unavailable to comment on the Lottery funding.
Organisers are still looking for volunteers for the event, which will include two stages, a children’s area, live music, a funfair, a fashion show and a walk of unity from South Parade to the racecourse. Those interested in helping can contact volunteer@doncasterpride.co.uk.
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