10 Oct 2003 - 01 Jan 2004
Mardi Gras' £¾ million shortfall puts Pride in the Park in doubt
Hyde Park

Mardi Gras 2000 Ltd. has failed to pay The Royal Parks £¾ million for Pride in the Park, held in Hyde Park on 26th July 2003. The plans put forward for a similar event next year have not tackled the reasons for such a shortfall, which could lead to a similar amount being owed in 2004.

The Royal Parks cannot realistically agree to a commercial event that is likely to have such a shortfall and have said so to Mardi Gras. However, The Royal Parks are still keen to work with Mardi Gras and the Park is certainly not closed to Pride. If the financial issues can be addressed then the event could still very well go ahead.

This shortfall of £¾ million has resulted in real cuts to spending on the Parks, at a time when they face huge additional costs due to the extraordinarily hot and dry summer.

Any problems relating to the Pride in the Park commercial event will not impact on the Pride March, which often starts or finishes in Hyde Park and is welcome to do so again.

Source:
The Royal Parks

For further information contact:
The Royal Parks Press Office T: 0300 061 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Editor's notes:
Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully conserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital.

The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park.