14/06/2026
It is with a heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision not to run Pride in the Forest this year.
For many years, Pride in the Forest has been an important part of what we do. We know how much it means to LGBTQ+ people across the Forest of Dean and surrounding rural communities, where opportunities to come together, celebrate and find community can be few and far between.
Unfortunately, the reality is that events like Pride in the Forest require funding to make them happen. Despite our efforts, we have been unable to secure the sponsorship and financial support needed to deliver the event safely and sustainably this year.
As a volunteer-led organisation, we have to make difficult decisions about where we invest our limited resources. Continuing without the funding required would put the wider work of Pride in Gloucestershire at risk, and that is not a position we can responsibly place the organisation in.
This decision has not been made because Pride in the Forest is unimportant. Quite the opposite. We know just how important visibility, community and Pride are in rural areas, which is why this news is so disappointing for us to share.
To everyone who has attended, volunteered, performed, supported or celebrated with us over the years: thank you. You helped create something special.
While there will be no Pride in the Forest event this year, our commitment to LGBTQ+ people in the Forest of Dean remains unchanged. We will continue to look at ways we can support our communities across Gloucestershire, and we hope that Pride in the Forest will return in the future when the funding is available to make it possible.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
