Brighton Pride Street Party
The Village Street Party 2008
August 1st, 2nd & 3rd 2008Press Release 13th March
2008 Compiled by: Chairman : Michael Conran, Vice Chair : Darren Hulcoop, together with 'The Community Involvement Team' (C.I.T)
- Introduction Who Are We? We are a group of local business's who have come together over the summer Pride festival weekend to stage a pre-post Pride community event in the small community village of Kemptown, predominately St James' Street. The Community Involvement team consists of : Michael Conran and Darren Hulcoop (The Aquarium Theatre Bar), Ben Davie (The Amsterdam), Dean Holmes (The Bulldog), Simon Timpson (The White Horse), Nicky Delmage and Gillian Scovell (The P.V. at The Jury's Out), Dulcie Danger (Promotions Manager & DJ) and as part of the team in an advisory capacity : P.C. Phil Smith (Events and Planning Department Brighton Police Station), Judith Manson (Pride in Brighton and Hove) and Jason Phillips (Pride in Brighton and Hove).
- Our Aim : Our number one aim is to provide a safe and well organised 'Street Party' for 2008 in the Kemptown village supported by the local community and businesses collectively with the support of the local authorities. We intend to bring the community together with a common aim, that is to contribute to a significant tourism event (Pride in Brighton and Hove) , to have our own 'Street Party' to celebrate in particular the freedom of the LGBT community and to continue this throughout the year.
- HOW WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS: We believe by appointing a neutral professional 'events' co-ordinator' (but to keep the direction of control under the C.I.T and Pubwatch groups) we feel it would be beneficial to the community and businesses alike. We have decided to use a company called Triptych Events UK who are qualified in this field. Their aim will be to work for the benefit of every contributing business and also ensure that the street party runs as well if not better than previous years. (full list of duties/involvement available on request) They will be visiting all contributing venues.
- OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH BRIGHTON AND HOVE PRIDE: The Community Involvement team appreciate enormously the support of Pride, it is imperative that it is understood that Pride has no financial interest or will receive any money from the Street Party funds. They have volunteered their help and advice in the smooth running of the street party, and because of their experience and knowledge it is with grateful thanks that they are a part of the team. If there are any surplus funds The Pub Watch Group will decide on the distribution of this.
- OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AUTHORITIES : We have approached the Police and Council, who are very supportive that the Street Party goes ahead this year. It is anticipated that there will be even more visitors this year and some concerns have been raised and dealt with, as a community we are certain that if anything comes up we can all help to resolve it.
- THE BUDGET : A budget will be set which is hoped will be considered fair, this will be based on last years figures, however some costs will have inevitably increased due to economic changes, i.e. the extra anticipated day, extra toilets etc. There will be no fees taken for hours only some stationary costs. The majority of the costs and expenses of the Street Party has always come from the local businesses, although other avenues could be sourced. A separate bank account has been set up for the street party, which is owned by the community involved. The account will have two signatures, Darren Hulcoop (The Aquarium) and Ben (The Amsterdam).
- MARKETING It is hoped that a unified marketing approach can be obtained which recognises the hard work of all the bars and business's who decide to contribute to the Village Street Party this year.
- PRESS RELATONS We intend to be as open as we can with the press. We believe that it is time the debates around the village street party move forward into what we are going to do rather than highly charged and emotive discussions over what may or may not have happened in the past.
- SUMMARY It is in everyone's best interest to keep this pre/post street party SAFE AND FREE, it takes many months of organisation and a cost is inevitable. However if the whole community can work together with the authorities involved this can be a success year after year. A 'blue' print can be formed and improved upon.
