Lesbian and gay business leaders have called on "straight" companies to show more support to the annual Pride festival.

The organisers of the internationally renowned Brighton lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) event are searching for more sponsor firms to come forward.

At a meeting yesterday at the Joogleberry Playhouse in Manchester Street, Brighton, representatives from LGBT businesses said other companies should also be approached.

Pride spokeswoman PJ Aldred said the August events, including a parade and carnival at Preston Park, attract more than 150,000 people to Brighton and Hove and generate more than £5 million in revenue for city businesses.

Despite the amount spent by visitors, most of the funding for the event comes from within the LGBT community.

The organisers are considering extending the Preston Park party to two days to make more value from the expense of setting up and clearing away.

They are also looking into setting up a text system to allow Pride supporters to donate to the costs with a message from their mobile phones.

The theme for the 2007 Pride will be musicals.

Courtesy of the Argus