Pride in Luton event cancelled after ‘challenging year’ for charity
The charity behind Luton’s LGBTQIA+ pride events has revealed it is winding down – and the annual festival planned for June will be scrapped.
Pride in Luton hosted its first festival in the town in June 2022, and had been supporting the queer community with advice and information since then.
But now members of Pride in Luton said they would be dissolving the charity, and the planned festival for June will not go ahead.
The charity said: “This has been a difficult decision. After a challenging year, the trustees have concluded that we no longer have the organisational capacity required to sustain the charity in a way that delivers the governance, stability and impact our community deserves.”
Events scheduled for the coming weeks – except for the festival – will go ahead as planned and any money will be used in line with charitable purposes and legal guidelines.
Pride in Luton explained: “We are proud of what Pride In Luton has achieved – creating visible celebration, building connection, and contributing to inclusion and belonging across the town.
“That work has mattered, and it continues to matter. The need for safe, affirming and community-led LGBTQIA+ spaces in Luton remains as important as ever.”
Online, people thanked the charity for its work.
Mariam Daniel said: “This is so sad to hear. So grateful for all the work you've done in our amazing town. Luton was brighter with you guys.”
While Gregory Sebastian Owen added: “Thank you for allowing me to have been part of it and thank you for putting on great events and raising awareness in the town. All good things come to an end.”