2015 has been a record-breaking year for Brighton Bear Weekender (BBW), with more men, more events and more money raised for the Rainbow Fund than ever before.
Chris Murphy who originally had the idea for the BBW has been appointed as the organisations first Patron.
Chris said; “BBW started in 2009 when the original Kings Arms was around. At that point, it was Brighton’s bear bar. I was going to call it BBC, Brighton Bears and Cubs. Unfortunately, the King Arms closed and that put a kibosh on that. It was a transitional time and The Camelford Arms was just opening and establishing itself. I contacted David Silver. Initially, he did not take me that seriously. The first one had to happen to prove that it could be done. No money was made that year, but by year two we were able to show that we could bring guys into the city for the weekend which resulted in 2015 with us raising the most money we ever have for the Rainbow Fund, £5,653. In total to date over the 6 years £15,000 has been raised for The Rainbow Fund
A spokesman for Brighton Bear Weekend, said; “Without the hard work and struggle over the first 2 years of BBW we would not be here now with a city-wide event that attracts bears from all over Europe to Brighton and Hove. BBW has blossomed into the second biggest weekend on the LGBT community calendar in Brighton after Pride and a major fundraiser for The Rainbow Fund. The committee have been close friends with Chris and we will miss his contributions at committee meetings. We know we have Chis‘s support and look forward to seeing him at events in future and in our promotional photos.”
The Rainbow Fund give grants, through an independent grants programme to LGBT/HIV organisations who deliver effective front line services to LGBT people in Brighton and Hove.
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