ORGANISERS for Durham Pride have signed a new agreement with Equity trade union after the local Reform-led council cut the entire budget for the annual event.

The deal sets out minimum standards for pay, terms, and conditions for performers and was announced ahead of the union’s annual conference in the city this weekend. 

Equity general secretary Paul W Fleming said: “Equity conference will again be a campaigning conference, and we’re starting with a win – celebrating one of the UK’s first collective agreements for a Pride event, based in the City of Durham.”

Durham Pride UK chair Mel Metcalf said: “We are really pleased that Durham is leading the way in the start of Pride agreements with Equity. 

“A safe, fair and equitable working environment is what we strive for every year.”

He added this year’s May 30 Pride march is “set to be the biggest and best yet!”