Student and non-profit groups back Durham Pride after council funding cuts
By Ivan Deverick
Student and non-profit groups have supported Durham Pride following Durham County Council’s decision to withdraw funding.
The Reform-led council announced their decision in August 2025.
The council’s Corporate Affairs department still contributed £2500 to Durham Pride 2025, which had been agreed under the previous Liberal-Democrat-led coalition administration prior to the May 2025 local elections.
Mel Metcalf, Chair for Durham Pride, commented to Palatinate:
“Reduced financial support for EDI-focused cultural events from local governments can lead to smaller budgets, limiting the scale of festivities, entertainment, outreach, and accessibility measures”.
Despite this, fundraising efforts this year “surpass” the cost of council cuts according to Stephen Guy, Chair of Durham Miners’ Association. This statement came a week after Equity, the UK trade union for performers, donated £7200 to Durham Pride as part of their annual conference which was held in the Durham Miners’ Hall.
“Fundraising efforts this year “surpass” the cost of council cuts according to Stephen Guy, Chair of Durham Miners’ Association.”
Metcalf responded to recent events, saying: “support from organisations such as Equity and the Durham Miners’ Association has been crucial in countering these challenges.”
Support has also been given by student organisations such as Queer Sphere, Durham University’s LGBT+ Association, which is an SU society.
Co-presidents of Queer Sphere explained the Association’s contribution to Durham Pride. They referenced their banner-making workshop expected to be held in Dunelm House:
“In the past the LGBT+ association was involved with parade and banner-making. We’ve carried on the tradition through the event we have on the 22nd.”
They explained their support for the LGBT+ community beyond this year’s Durham Pride: “We host all kinds of events, from open mics to film screenings to activist workshops. Our welfare team is always there to provide support.”
Metcalf added how Council funding cuts might impact the event.
“The loss of council funding was more of a statement from them than anything else.”
He said the council’s decision “had little financial impact”. Regarding the Reform Council’s potential for financial support, he said “we would [feel] unable to accept it” after funding was initially withdrawn.
He also clarified support provided by organisations affiliated with Durham University.
“St. Aidan’s College was among several Durham University colleges to provide early institutional support for Durham Pride, encouraging student participation and raising awareness within the university community.”
Following on from this, the college is “now seen as a key partner for Durham Pride, helping bridge the city-wide celebration with university life.”
Alongside this, the university’s LGBTQ+ Association “promoted the event and organised groups to march in our first parade.”
Beyond university organisations, support for Durham Pride also comes from trade union ties.
Stephen Guy told Palatinate: “We’ve always had a strong bond. The only change this year is that we’ve reached out to our colleagues in other trade unions to extend that solidarity, and they will be joining us in large numbers on the 30th.”
He disagreed with the council’s decision to cut funding, saying Durham Pride “is a cultural event. It brings in thousands of visitors to Durham city… it’s foolish of the county council to not support an event of that size.”
“Durham Pride “is a cultural event. It brings in thousands of visitors to Durham city… it’s foolish of the county council to not support an event of that size.””
All those who spoke to Palatinate recommended students to show their support.
The co-presidents of Queer Sphere said the best method “is to go”, a sentiment echoed by Metcalf who explained “this is a moment to come together, uplift one another, and demonstrate the strength and vibrancy of Durham’s LGBT+ community.”
When asked what he would want the LGBTQ+ community in Durham to know about the event, he said:
“Community support is more important than ever. Whether through volunteering, donating, helping spread the word, or simply showing up, every bit of involvement helps make the event a success.”
A Durham County Council spokesperson told Palatinate: “The council has historically supported a range of festivals and events that support our communities and bring economic benefits to the county. All requests for assistance are carefully considered on a case-by-case basis against the policy objectives and priorities of the council.”
Durham Pride is scheduled to take place Saturday 30th May. The parade will begin at Durham Cathedral from 11 AM.
Cover image: Durham Pride 2015, shot by then-Indigo Editor Kate Wilkinson
