Birmingham Pride aims to be fully free by 2027 as director prepares to step down

Birmingham Pride director Lawrence Barton has set out an ambition to make the city’s flagship LGBTQ+ festival completely free to attend by 2027, the year he plans to step down from the role.

Barton, who has led Birmingham Pride since 2009, said he wants the 30th anniversary event in 2027 to return to the free-to-attend model seen in its early years, BirminghamLive reports.

Currently, the city-centre parade remains free, while the main festival site operates as a ticketed, two-day event. Ticket prices have already been cut this year in response to the cost of living crisis, in an effort to keep the event accessible for LGBTQ+ people and allies across the region.

Speaking to BirminghamLive, Barton said: “In 1997 I attended the first Birmingham Pride, 2027 will be the 30th anniversary. I’d love to bring it full circle. In my own mind, I’d love for it to be a free festival.”

Although previous attempts to keep the festival free were challenged by the rising costs of security, cleaning and paying performers, Barton insists a no-fee model is achievable by 2027. He has indicated he will leave his post once that goal is reached.

“I feel like once that’s done, I think it’ll be my time to then say, we brought it full circle and I will need to pass the baton on,” he said.

Birmingham Pride is one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ events, providing visibility, celebration and community for queer people and their allies across the Midlands and beyond.

This year’s Birmingham Pride will take place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May. Saturday’s bill includes Katy B, Sigala and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard. On Sunday, Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle will headline, with performances also scheduled from Björn Again, Boney M and Amelle, formerly of Sugababes.