Behind the Scenes at York Pride

Behind the vibrant celebrations of York Pride is a dedicated team of volunteers working tirelessly to bring North Yorkshire’s largest LGBT+ festival to life. From organising events and securing sponsorships to ensuring accessibility and inclusion, our committee is passionate about creating a space where everyone feels celebrated and supported.

Together, we champion equality, diversity, and community spirit — making York Pride more than just a celebration. It’s a movement for positive change.

As a registered charity, York Pride relies on the dedication and collaboration of its volunteer-led committee. Our Directors, who also serve as Trustees, hold regular full committee meetings to share progress, updates, and decisions. These meetings bring together all areas of Pride, fostering teamwork and a shared vision that keeps the event inclusive, safe, and community-focused.

Directors also lead smaller sub-group meetings with their own teams, focusing on specialist areas such as the Parade, Festival infrastructure, Sponsorship, and Marketing. This balance of strategic oversight and hands-on planning ensures every part of York Pride runs smoothly.

Explore this section to meet the incredible volunteers behind York Pride and learn how their teamwork, creativity, and dedication bring this celebration of love and unity to life.

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York Pride Volunteer Roles & Teams Overview

Executive Leadership Team (Board of Trustees)

(All Directors are Trustees of the Charity and lead their respective teams)

• Chair / Managing Director – Leads the organisation’s strategic direction, governance, and overall event delivery; heads the Executive Leadership Team.
• Vice Chair – Supports the Chair, oversees daily operations, governance, and volunteer wellbeing; deputises when required.
• Secretary – Manages meetings, official records, and administrative functions.
• Treasurer & Finance Director – Oversees budgets, accounts, and financial reporting; leads the Finance Team.
• Sponsorship & Fundraising Director – Develops partnerships, sponsorships, and grant income; oversees the Wristband Discount Scheme and leads the Sponsorship & Fundraising Team.
• Events & Outreach Director – Leads events, fundraising, and outreach activity across the year; heads the Events & Outreach Team.
• Parade Director – Leads the planning, logistics, and delivery of the annual Parade March; heads the Parade Team.
• Festival Director – Oversees the planning, infrastructure, and delivery of the York Pride Festival; leads the Festival Team.
• Marketing Director – Leads marketing, social media, digital content, and website activity; heads the Marketing Team.
• Volunteers Director – Leads recruitment, training, and support for volunteers throughout the year; heads the Volunteers Team.
• Director Without Portfolio (Co-opted) – Provides independent insight and acts as a critical friend to the committee.

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Marketing Team

Responsible for York Pride’s public image, digital presence, and communications.

• Team Lead: Marketing Director
• Marketing Manager (Social Media) – Manages daily posting, engagement, and online campaigns.
• Marketing Manager (Website) – Maintains and updates the York Pride website with news, events, and sponsor information.
• Graphic Designer – Creates visuals for digital content, printed materials, and merchandise. This role may also include a small pool of volunteer designers who contribute around their own schedules.

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Festival Team

Delivers the infrastructure and on-site experience that bring the York Pride Festival to life.

• Team Lead: Festival Director
• Festival Manager – Supports infrastructure planning, vendor coordination, artist liaison, and health & safety compliance.

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Parade Team

Organises the annual York Pride Parade through the streets of York.

• Team Lead: Parade Director
• Parade Manager – Supports route planning, marshalling, participant coordination, and logistics.

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Sponsorship & Fundraising Team

Secures funding and partnerships to support York Pride’s activities and community impact.

• Team Lead: Sponsorship & Fundraising Director
• Sponsorship & Fundraising Manager – Supports sponsorship proposals, partnership management, and delivery of sponsor benefits.
• Wristband Discount Scheme Lead – Manages the York Pride wristband programme and liaises with local businesses offering discounts and deals.

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Events & Outreach Team

Leads York Pride’s year-round community and fundraising activity.

• Team Lead: Events & Outreach Director
• Events & Outreach Manager – Supports the planning, delivery, and evaluation of community events and fundraisers.
• Diversity & Community Outreach Manager – Builds partnerships with underrepresented communities and ensures inclusion is embedded across York Pride’s activities.

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Finance Team

Manages Pride’s finances, ensuring transparency and compliance with charity regulations.

• Team Lead: Treasurer & Finance Director
• Finance Manager – Supports bookkeeping, invoices, payments, and financial reporting to the Charity Commission.

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Volunteers Team

Coordinates and supports the many volunteers who make York Pride possible.

• Team Lead: Volunteers Director
• Volunteer Engagement Lead – Supports recruitment, engagement, and recognition of Pride’s volunteers.
• Volunteer Pool Members – A flexible group of volunteers who sign up for tasks such as event setup, marshalling, administration, and fundraising.

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Join the Team

We’re always looking for passionate, community-minded people to get involved. Whether your skills lie in event management, creative design, finance, logistics, or simply bringing people together — there’s a place for you at York Pride.

Email info@yorkpride.org.uk to learn how you can join the team and help make York Pride 2026 our biggest and most inclusive celebration yet.