AN annual celebration of a city’s LGBT community has been saved from closure.

Sunderland’s seventh Pride festival looked in danger of being cancelled because of a lack of funds, but the event will now go ahead after a number of companies helped to rescue the day.

Sunderland Business Improvement District has agreed to sponsor the main stage for and has been joined by a range of local bars, pubs and restaurants including Gatsby, Hidden, Port of Call and Papas Tapas.

At the same time Barclays, Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police has also thrown their weight behind the event, with Station Taxis coming on board as wristband sponsor.

Chris Ramsay, chair of Sunderland Pride expressed his gratitude to the local supporters.

He said: “We’ve had a few hiccups this year due to funding which led us to initially cancelling the event however we are delighted that so many businesses have offered their support to make Pride happen.

“I have been involved with Pride from day one and have seen it go from strength to strength but fully understand that some organisations have had to pull out from sponsorship or reduce the amount because of their own lack of funds.

“Thankfully however we have got over this and we look forward to another amazing year.”

Pride will take place in Park Lane on September 24 from noon until 6pm.

Gemma Dishman, from Sunderland BID, added: “It’s very important for Sunderland city centre to be seen as a place where diversity is celebrated and where everyone is welcome and this is exactly the message that Pride portrays”.