Brighton Pride mourn their “true champion”
The organisers of Brighton Pride have spoken of their sadness at the news that Paul Wilde has died aged 51.
As reported by PinkNews.co.uk, Mr Wilde died in his sleep and yesterday was found in his flat above his venue South Central, in Vauxhall, London.
He was the mastermind behind the most successful Pride events in the country and ran Wilde Ones Event Services, which has been the production backbone of Brighton Pride for the last 7 years.
Mr Wilde was also heavily involved in Birmingham Pride and London Pride, as well as supporting some of the smaller events such as Reading.
Three years ago he bought South Central with his friend Mark Oakley, turning it into a monster success with popular nights like Horse Meat.
Brighton Pride Operations Manager, PJ Aldred said in a statement to PinkNews.co.uk, “Paul Wilde was one in a million and I am shocked to hear he will no longer be around. We have all lost a great man and true friend.”
Yesterday David Harvey, Pride Chair from 2003 to 2006, spoke to PinkNews.co.uk about the extent of Mr Wilde’s support for the Brighton event, the largest free LGBT park festival in Europe.
“Paul basically saved Brighton Pride in 2003 when we uncovered financial irregularities,” said Mr Harvey.
“He agreed to underwrite the whole event if we couldn’t recover from the financial problems. As well as this he the knew the event and what would make it work – he had that magic touch.”
The Pride Board will now consider a suitable and fitting tribute to Mr Wilde at this year’s Preston Park event on Saturday 4th August.
