Since our establishment in 2022, when we made history by hosting Wirral's first-ever Pride event, Wirral Pride CIC (previously New Brighton Pride) has continued to grow and deliver an annual highlight for the local community. We were founded to address the lack of dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces in the area, creating a safe, inclusive environment for our community to celebrate, connect, and thrive. Building on the success of our relocation to Victoria Road in New Brighton, this past financial year saw us further consolidate our positive impact on the local economy and community. By hosting our main event along Victoria Road, we continued to drive significant footfall to local shops, cafes, and hospitality venues, helping many independent traders achieve standout trading days while fostering a strong sense of local unity. Safety and accessibility were paramount priorities for our main event this year. Following the tragic incident at the Liverpool FC victory parade, we took proactive measures to protect our attendees by becoming the first event on the Wirral to introduce H-Stop Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) devices, ensuring a safer, fully secured environment for everyone present. Furthermore, driven by my own personal journey with hearing loss and a strong passion for accessibility born from my own life experiences, we introduced British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters on stage, setting a new benchmark for inclusivity across local community events. Our impact this past year extended well beyond our main Pride event. In another ground-breaking milestone, we partnered with the local Domestic Abuse Hub to host Merseyside’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse Awareness Day. This crucial initiative brought key support services directly to our community, highlighting specialized resources, breaking down reporting barriers, and tackling isolation for vulnerable individuals. During this reporting period, we have moved one step closer to creating a permanent safe space for Wirral's LGBTQ+ community. This dedicated venue will provide a year-round haven where individuals can socialise, build connections, and access vital services, including sexual health support, domestic abuse guidance, and resources from key partner agencies. Our journey demonstrates remarkable progress: from our first year on the steps outside a local theatre, to a modest platform in year two, to now delivering a fully accessible, highly secure, full-scale professional production featuring BSL interpretation, HVM safety barriers, complete stage, lighting, sound, and confetti cannons. We remain incredibly proud of how far Wirral Pride CIC has come and are excited to continue expanding our outreach, safety standards, accessibility, key agency partnerships, and community support in the year ahead.

.Following our events, we consult our stakeholders through post-event feedback questionnaires, direct consultations, social media engagement, and partner debrief sessions. Feedback from the past year remained overwhelmingly positive, with participants, traders, and visitors commending the welcoming, inclusive, and joyful atmosphere of our events. In direct response to feedback from past attendees and community consultations, we took active steps this year to address safety, accessibility, and specialist support: Accessibility: Following consultations regarding event inclusivity, and informed by personal lived experience with hearing loss, we introduced British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters for stage performances. Safety & Security: In response to community concerns around public safety following recent regional public events, we became the first event on the Wirral to deploy H-Stop Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) barriers. Targeted Community Support: Feedback highlighted a need for dedicated outreach and safe support channels, leading directly to our partnership with the Domestic Abuse Hub to host Merseyside’s first LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse Awareness Day.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration