Organisers of the Pride parade have apologised after disabled fans complained about not being fully accommodated.
275 with accessibility requirements attended the event, however, the viewing platform for the main stage could only hold 100.
Organisers said that, by the time the main act (Kylie Minogue) took to the main stage, the viewing platform was at “full capacity.” They said they were “extremely sorry” some fans were unable to access the platform later in the evening.
A statement published on the Brighton and Hove Pride website said: “275 people applied and used a range of our access services at the park.
“Working with our provider, Tiger Tea, we implemented a number of measures to facilitate participation of Pride-goers with accessibility requirements. This included creating a safe space at the front of the Pride Community Parade and as well, providing accessible viewing platforms for the main stage… in front of the VIP seating.”
Other measures included an access gate for quick entry, an access tent, wheelchair charging facilities, accessible toilets and BSL interpreters.
Becky Stevens, head of operations at Bright and Hove Pride, described the viewing platform as “first come, first serve.”
Among the fans who took to Twitter to complain was 28-year-old, Ditch the Label CEO, Liam Hackett, who posted a video in which he stated that those in the access tent were unable to see Kylie perform at all, despite the fact that there were spare seats in the VIP area.
“Shame on you, Pride in Brighton,” he said, “for not having the safe provisions for people with disabilities who also want to celebrate pride… in dignity.”
He had travelled to the event with his amputee mother and terminally ill grandmother and claimed they “had to stay” in the access tent with no view to the main stage.
Jenny Skelton, who attended the event with her disabled daughter, claimed she was told to remain in the access tent despite being unable to view the stage. She said up to 20 people were affected.
She said: “My issue is just simply that they didn’t have sufficient space for disabled people and that’s wrong.”
Eventually, security staff were allowed to grant disabled people access to the VIP seating area.
Author: Molly Hookings
Molly joined the editorial team in March 2019. She has several years’ experience working in broadcast and journalism, as well as marketing and PR. Past experience includes working for the BBC and independent publishing houses. If you have a story you think Molly might be interested in, please email: molly@eventindustrynews.com
