Blackpool Pride to remain in debt another year as festival is cancelled due to coronavirus

Blackpool Pride was bailed out by Blackpool Council last year to the tune of £68,000 after ticket sales failed to cover the costs of the weekend-long LGBT event, which was plagued by heavy wind and rain.

By the end of 2019, just £8,000 had been paid back through sponsorship and £2,800 through other income, leaving an outstanding debt of £57,200.

It was hoped that this year’s festival, which was due to headline stars such as Soft Cell’s Marc Almond, Right Said Fred, and Scissor Sisters lead singer Jake Shears, would bring in at least £30,000 in profit to help cover the costs.

But now, due to the coronavirus and self-isolation, the three-day-long extravaganza has been cancelled.

When asked about what the cancellation would mean for the event’s outstanding debts, Pride chairman Craig Coleman there was ‘an arrangement’ between Pride and the Council.

A Blackpool Council spokesman said: “This event has been cancelled, as have many other events across the UK given the current circumstances with the coronavirus.

“We anticipate that any previous payment arrangements regarding Blackpool Pride will move forward to 2021.

“Any arrangements that we have got this year will move over to next year.”

The council declined to provide any information about the details of its debt repayment plan.