Pridefestival

Birminghampride

Why Birmingham Pride May Never Be Free — And What Could Change That

Phil Oldershaw, co-founder of Birmingham Pride, has opened up about the realities and challenges facing the annual festival as it marks 30 years since its creation. Established in 1996 alongside Bill Gavan, the inaugural …

By Rebecca Duffy · Thursday 7 May 2026 · 3 min read

Birminghampride

Mistakes, Conflict, and Controversy: A Candid Conversation with Birmingham Pride Director Lawrence Barton

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 …

By Ryhs Tomlinson · Sunday 12 April 2026 · 3 min read