Northampton Pride thrives despite Council leader ending support

Reform UK leader of West Northamptonshire Council, Mark Arnull has announced that no funding had been given to Northampton Pride in 2026, and no funding will be offered in the future. Northampton Pride, now in its ninth year, took place on Saturday 11^th July in the town’s market square supported by donations raised through a fundraising campaign run by Northants Lesbian Society, which reached £1,300. The annual event featured live performances, community stalls and activities. In response to funding cuts, Northants Lesbian Society gave the sarcastic comeback "Thanks Mark! See you next year."

Cllr Mark Arnull, told a full council meeting that no funding had been given to the event by the authority this year, and no funding would be offered in the future. He also added that no officer time would be spent on it going forward. He told the meeting that "certain events were politicised" and suggested that "hateful things were shown on garments" in the Market Square, however he did not elaborate on what was meant by these comments.

He added: “We will only do what's right for every resident in West Northamptonshire and not a small minority of people that want to turn something into a political funfair.

"So, in terms of Pride, this council will not be contributing in any way to Pride be it officers' time. It hasn't issued anything financially in the last year."

According to Census 2021 statistics, 2.75% of the population of West Northamptonshire (aged 16 years and above) identify as LGBQ+. The population of West Northamptonshire was recorded by the census to be 439,811, meaning over 12,000 people over the age of 16 openly identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, without taking into account trans identities too.

While gender identity was recorded as part of the same census, these are no longer 'accredited official statistics' and are classified as 'official statistics in development', so these numbers are not available by location. Across the East Midlands though, 0.22% answered that their gender identity was different from sex registered at birth but no specific identity was given, 0.08% identified as trans women, 0.09% identified as trans men, and 0.06% identified as non-binary.

In a press release published by the council before the event took place, Cllr Charlie Hastie (Reform UK), deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and communities, said: "Northampton Pride is a valued event for our community and provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to come together to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

"We are pleased to support this event alongside partners and look forward to another successful day."

Northants Lesbian Society thanked everyone who donated to this year's Pride fundraiser, with a special mention to NLive Radio who advertised the fundraiser, making “a massive difference”. NLiveRadio host Prideful Northampton; a radio show for Northampton's LGBT+ Community, on air every Thursday from 9pm. The fundraiser currently remains open, and any further funds raised will roll over into the pride fund for next year's event, helping secure the future of Pride in Northampton.