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No New Forest Pride 2025 as organisers hope for a return in 2026




NEW Forest Pride Festival will not go ahead this year because organisers have been unable to attract enough sponsorship and support.

Since it began three years ago the free event has proved hugely popular with thousands attending last year.

However, organisers have now announced there will be no 2025 event, but they hope it will be back with a bang in 2026.

Thousands enjoy the annual event
Thousands enjoy the annual event

Emer Druce, chief operating officer for the festival, said: “Unfortunately due to lack of sponsorship and support we are unable to go ahead with New Forest Pride. This has been a difficult decision but with us having had to underwrite the event personally last year we just cannot afford to do the same for 2025.

“It is a real shame as it was a fantastic community event and really gave the LGBTQ+ members of community a chance to shine and embrace their authentic selves in a safe space which has never really been available in the New Forest.”

Last year’s event in Bath Road, Lymington, saw festival goers enjoy performances by Maybe Gaga, a Lady Gaga tribute act, with drag queens Dixie Normous and Misty as comperes.

New Forest Pride festival attracted thousands last year
New Forest Pride festival attracted thousands last year

When it was founded organisers said the festival was aimed at “addressing the isolation experienced” by LGBTQ+ in the Forest.

Emer said organisers had tried various ways to hold the event this year including reaching out to local government, but had not received enough support.

They said: “We applied to the council – local and district – for community grants, lottery funding, local businesses, etc, and while a few of our regular sponsors were willing to come on board again, what they were offering would barely pay for the portaloos.

New Forest Pride festival has proved hugely popular in past
New Forest Pride festival has proved hugely popular in past

So we hope to hold some fundraisers this year and build up some funds in order to bring it back next year. Sham Rocks Tribute Festival in New Milton will donate if it turns a profit.”

Sham Rocks Tribute Festival is being held at Fawcett’s Field, New Milton, on 10th May. Tickets are on sale now, and New Forest Pride followers can get a discount by entering the code NFP when making their payment.

Tribute acts due to perform at the two-day festival include Freddie Mercury, Lady Ga Ga, Elton John and Madonna. Tickets available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/fireflyfestivals

To sponsor New Forest Pride 2026, email Emer at edruce@newforestpride.org



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