The parking charges for Scarborough Pride will be reviewed by the council after concerns were raised about new costs and the event’s financial sustainability.
North Yorkshire Council has said it will review parking fee arrangements for Scarborough Pride after event organisers said they were not previously charged, and the charity running the celebration said the event might not return next year.
George Wakeley, chair of the volunteer-run Scarborough Pride charity, asked councillors on the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee to address the issue.
This summer, a fundraising campaign was launched to secure the future of the town’s LGBTQ+ celebration amid rising costs and declining donations.
Speaking at a meeting on Friday, Mr Wakeley said:
“Can the committee please look into why Scarborough Pride is being charged upwards of £1,000 for parking services that were previously not charged.”
In a statement read out at the meeting, North Yorkshire Council (NYC) said it was “committed to supporting volunteer-led initiatives and maintaining the goodwill that underpins events such as Scarborough Pride”.
“We understand that under previous arrangements with Scarborough Borough Council and the last couple of years under North Yorkshire Council, events were not subject to those fees.”
The authority noted that while it had to “ensure transparency and consistency in its charging policies”, it was “actively reviewing how best to accommodate exceptional community events within our framework, and Pride is an exceptional event”.
The council added:
“Your request to maintain the existing arrangements for Scarborough Pride will be considered as part of this review.
“We will engage with relevant stakeholders, including event organisers, to explore options that balance financial sustainability with community benefits.”
Speaking earlier this year about the financial challenges facing the organisers of the annual celebration, Mr Wakeley said:
“Pride is an expensive event to put on and passion alone can’t pay for the minimum we need to put the event on, before we factor in performers. We need the community’s support.”
“Scarborough Pride has always been about community, about showing up for each other, being visible, and celebrating freedom in all its forms.
“Today, the community needs to show up for Pride.”
The statement from the council added:
“NYC recognises that Scarborough Pride is a cherished community event that brings significant cultural value to the town.
“We appreciate the dedication of the event organisers and many volunteers who make this possible.”
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