Brisbane Pride Festival (BPF) has been able to raise over $5000 for the 2011 Pride season thanks to the generosity of the Brisbane LGBT community. Two fundraising nights were held recently at the Sportsman and Wickham hotels with volunteers manning the doors.

The BPF is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers, so all money raised from the fundraising nights goes directly into the festival which is expected to see big changes in 2011, including a spruce-up of the long-running Queen’s Ball and a shortening of the five week festival.

BPF President Scot Hampson was told QNews that he was over the moon with the warm and generous way in which the local community has been so supportive of the festival.

“Brisbane Pride Festival is about celebrating, promoting and supporting our community, so it really meant a lot to see so many people willing to support us,” Hampson said.

“I would like to give a big thank you to Neil and Paul at the Sportsman Hotel and Marie and Ruth at the Wickham for hosting fundraising events. With our new Pride committee, we are getting ready to put on the best Pride Festival ever and look forward to the community's continued support.”

If you missed these great nights but would still like to contribute to the 2011 festival, never fear, BPF is still looking for people to become Brisbane Pride Festival members. Memberships cost $20 and include entry into Pride Fair Day, discounts at BPF events, and are a great way to support and be proud of your LGBT community.

You can become a member of Brisbane Pride Festival online at www.pridebrisbane.org.au