Birmingham’s Southside district is bracing itself for a bumper business weekend as tens of thousands of visitors flock to the city for Pride 2012.
Organisers of the annual event predict a substantial spike in trade for businesses, particularly bars, clubs and hotels as thousands of party-goers from both the gay and straight communities celebrate Pride over the Jubilee weekend.
Pride gets underway with a carnival parade on Saturday June 2 from Victoria Square.
Festival director Lawrence Barton, who also owns the Nightingale Club, said: “Pride has a long history in the city but over the past four years it has gained a new momentum which has benefitted many business owners not just in Southside but across the city.
“Pride creates a fantastic atmosphere and pulls in visitors not just from the region but from London, Brighton, Manchester and abroad. Our social media sites and twitter account have been red hot with people talking about this year’s Pride and this suggests to us that the local economy is set to benefit as well as the city as a tourist destination.”
Girl band The Saturdays will strut their stuff as the Nightingale main stage headline act at Birmingham Pride along with Stooshe, Kerry Katona , BBC Radio 1 Scott Mills and many more.
