Shoppers, campaigners and townsfolk have been watching as St Helens’ flagship Pride celebration became the centre of a political scrap; co-founder Miguel Doforo says the event , backed historically by Labour-led councils , went ahead this year and remains rooted in visibility, inclusion and community, amid wider criticism of the new council leadership.

Essential Takeaways

  • Event went ahead: St Helens Pride took place this year as the seventh annual celebration, organisers say, with a lively, community feel and local performers.
  • Council funding confusion: Organisers confirm St Helens Council did not fund the event this year or last; funding came from See You See Me CIC, Halton & St Helens VCA and other supporters.
  • Political fallout: The Reform UK-led council’s decision to withdraw support triggered criticism across the Liverpool City Region, including from Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.
  • Accusations and concern: Some Reform UK figures framed the event as connected to contentious issues around trans ideology, prompting debate and public pushback.
  • Community response: Local leaders, police and voluntary groups have emphasised support for victims of hate and the importance of safe, visible LGBTQ+ spaces.

What actually happened on the day , and how organisers describe it

St Helens Pride ran this year and, according to co-founder Miguel Doforo, it felt as lively and visible as ever, with volunteers, sponsors and performers making it happen. He stressed the event’s emotional tone , a sense of inclusion and celebration , and thanked the people who kept it going. Organisers say practical delivery came from community groups rather than council coffers, which helps explain how it remained on the calendar despite political change. If you were there, the mood was community-first; if you follow local politics, the row made the atmosphere more charged.

Why the council pulled support , the politics behind the move

After Reform UK gained control of St Helens Borough Council this May, the new leadership confirmed it would no longer provide formal backing for Pride events, a decision that quickly drew attention. Critics across the Liverpool City Region called it a backwards step; Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram described LGBTQ+ events as something to promote, not shelve. Meanwhile, some Reform UK voices framed their stance as opposition to what they called harmful ideologies, which fed into a wider national debate about culture and identity. The change in support is as much political signalling as it is about event logistics.

Who funded Pride this year , clearing up misconceptions

Doforo made a point of clarifying that council grants didn’t bankroll the 2023 or 2024 events, and this year was funded by See You See Me CIC, Halton & St Helens VCA and headline sponsors. That matters because it shows community groups can and do step in when councils step back, but it also highlights the fragility of grassroots funding. Practical tip: if you’re involved in community events, diversify income , grants, headline sponsors, small donors and in-kind support reduce reliance on a single source.

The wider ripple effects across the region

The decision in St Helens has resonated beyond the town; Liverpool’s council leader suggested there might be “something more sinister” behind the withdrawal, and regional voices have roundly criticised the move. Police and civic bodies have reiterated their stance against hate and stressed the need for safe public spaces. Industry and civic leaders see this as part of a larger pattern where local culture and identity become battlegrounds, and the public reaction suggests many local residents want Pride to remain visible and supported.

What this means for people who attend or organise Pride events

For attendees, the takeaway is simple: Pride still happens because communities make it happen, but its future can depend on shifting political winds. For organisers, the lesson is practical , build partnerships outside the council, document funding streams clearly, and keep communications tight to prevent confusion. And for local residents, it’s worth engaging: public events reflect community values and participation can influence how those values are defended.

It's a small change in policy with big symbolic weight; keep supporting the groups that keep Pride alive in your town.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: