Liverpool Pride 2025 cancelled due to financial challenges

Liverpool Pride for 2025 has been officially cancelled, marking a "devastating" blow to the city’s LGBTQ+ community. The event, which was scheduled for July 26, was called off due to “significant financial and organisational challenges,” according to the organisers.

The LCR Pride Foundation, responsible for Pride in Liverpool and the annual March with Pride, issued a statement expressing their regret. According to Liverpool Echo, they stated, “It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Pride in Liverpool and March with Pride.” The Foundation cited rising costs, difficulty securing local and national funding, and their decision to part ways with sponsor Barclays as key reasons for the cancellation.

In their detailed message, the Foundation’s Board of Directors explained, “Recent months have seen the organisation facing substantial financial and organisational hurdles, which have impacted planning and led to us becoming almost entirely volunteer-led. This, combined with increased costs and funding challenges, has made it impossible to proceed.” They added, “While we are confident that severing our relationship with Barclays was the right decision, it added further delays to our efforts to organise the event.”

Despite their efforts to keep the event alive, including working closely with city partners and sponsors up until late May, they shared their disappointment: “We are devastated that we will not be able to march together this year, especially when coming together in solidarity and celebration is needed more than ever.” The Foundation emphasized their commitment to returning in 2026 and noted ongoing discussions with Liverpool City Council and sponsors.

While the main Pride event is cancelled, the Foundation plans to promote other activities during Pride weekend and support regional Pride events across Liverpool’s boroughs. They also aim to find new ways to bring the community together later in the year and are actively recruiting new trustees to strengthen their efforts toward making Liverpool the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in the UK.

Councillor Harry Doyle from Liverpool City Council commented, “It’s hugely disappointing that Liverpool Pride has had to be cancelled this year. Last year’s event was a great success, and Pride is very important to our community. While it’s a tough decision, we understand the circumstances and will continue working with the Foundation to ensure Pride returns in 2026.”