When I mentioned I was interviewing Lawrence Barton, director of Birmingham Pride since 2009, a colleague questioned, “How can someone ‘own’ Pride? Isn’t it a movement?” The idea of ownership felt misplaced, yet Lawrence’s long-standing leadership undeniably shapes the event.
Lawrence Barton, 52, carries multiple roles beyond Pride’s voluntary directorship. He’s a board member of the Southside Business Improvement District, a family business director, and the owner of several prominent Birmingham bars. Notably, in 2020, he was appointed a deputy lord lieutenant of the West Midlands by Queen Elizabeth II’s lord lieutenant.
However, his business ventures have not been without difficulties. In 2025, Lawrence’s apprenticeship training company, GB Training Ltd, collapsed into liquidation amid an £8.4 million debt owed to public agencies including the West Midlands Combined Authority. The liquidators highlighted payments made to connected companies shortly before going under, but no wrongdoing was found. Despite calls for his resignation from some community members, Lawrence chose to continue his role with Birmingham Pride.
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This brings us to the challenging intersection of Pride as both an event and a movement—a complex, layered space where representation, celebration, and protest coexist. Lawrence emphasizes the evolving needs of the LGBTQ+ community and the balance between honoring tradition while embracing change.
This year’s Pride will be more accessible, with ticket prices reduced to £46.87 from last year’s £73.70. The event’s scale will be smaller, focusing less on headline performers in part due to financial realities. Lawrence explains, “Even if Pride were free, someone has to cover the costs of road closures, security, and facilities. Managing expectations is key.”
He highlights the diverse perceptions of Pride: “For some, it’s a political and social statement; for others, a family and safe space of visibility and self-expression. No single view defines Pride—it’s a multifaceted whole.”
On internal community tensions, Lawrence acknowledges the fractures that have become more apparent recently, particularly concerning transgender inclusion. “The T in LGBT is sometimes viewed as controversial now, but their struggle mirrors that of gay people in earlier decades,” he reflects. “Our strength lies in unity, but when we divide, we harm ourselves.”
Lawrence insists Pride is for everyone, including friends and family of LGBTQ+ individuals, though he recognizes some voices advocate reclaiming queer spaces exclusively.
Addressing his business controversies, Lawrence openly admits to taking responsibility for failures alongside successes. “I’ve been scrutinized rigorously and own my actions,” he says. “These experiences, while difficult, don’t define me entirely.”
He runs Pride on a volunteer basis with no salary and speaks candidly about the personal impact of GB Training’s downfall. “That company was a family legacy. Seeing only the negatives in its closure was heartbreaking.”
Despite pressure, Lawrence remains deeply committed to Pride. “It’s not just an event; it’s my passion and a way to give back,” he shares. Growing up gay was challenging, and he knows firsthand the importance of fostering pride and community.
Looking ahead, Lawrence envisions stepping down around Pride’s 30th anniversary in 2027, potentially after realizing his dream of making the festival free to all. “The community needs fresh voices to shape Pride’s future,” he says. “I’ve held it together for years, but I’m ready to pass the baton.”
Birmingham Pride returns May 23-24, 2026, with tickets now available.