City of Perth commits $1.03 million towards PrideFEST celebrations

Perth’s CBD is set to explode into a celebration of colour after the City of Perth announced they were committing over $1 million towards PrideFEST celebrations.

Perth City councillors have unanimously voted to commit a staggering $1.03 million towards Pride WA’s PrideFEST between 2024 and 2026 through its Major Events and Festivals Sponsorship program.

It is expected to generate around $8.5 million for the inner-city council.

The celebrations, which typically run over three weeks, will be condensed over 10 days in a bid to increase interstate and international tourism.

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Festivities will include a mix of concerts, headline acts, the Pride Parade, community activities and a new “Pride Gardens” event hub at the Supreme Court Gardens.

Pride Parade at Russell Square, Northbridge on November 25th, 2023. Credit: Alan Chau/The West Australian

Fairday — Pride WA’s community carnival and market-style event — will be relocated from Hyde Park to the Supreme Court Gardens.

“The proposal by Pride WA to concentrate PrideFEST into a 10-day festival — including the event hub at Supreme Court Gardens — is a bold vision and will create greater impact and vibrancy,” Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said.

“I am really pleased, as it is a great event, a huge economic driver — worth around $8.5 million each year — and all of that will now be in the City of Perth.

“Anyone who has been to Fairday previously knows what a huge event it is, how colourful it is, how important it is on the calendar, and so to be able to relocate it into the heart of our city is something the City of Perth is really pleased about.”

City of Vincent Mayor Alison Xamon said she was disappointed to see Fairday moved out of Hyde Park but said the city would continue to support the LGBTQIA+ community “in every way we can”.

Pride Parade at Russell Square, Northbridge on November 25th, 2023. Credit: Alan Chau/The West Australian

“We are obviously disappointed to see such an iconic event move from the City of Vincent where it has predominantly been held and supported for the past 10 years,” she said.

“But as a small local government, we unfortunately cannot compete with the City of Perth in terms of funding.

“There are a few new Pride events being planned at the moment to ensure Vincent celebrates Pride and to increase awareness and education around the LGBTQIA+ community.

“We will always be a strong supporter in promoting Pride WA’s activities and initiatives, not only during Pride month but throughout the year.”

Since 2013, the City of Vincent has committed around $150,000 in event sponsorship funding to Pride WA.

Comparatively, the City of Perth committed around $420,000 between 2022 and 2023.