Thanet Pride’s colourful festival of flags, dazzling costumes, music and laughter this summer may well have been its last if organisers can't find new sponsors.

The fourth annual event attracted many thousands of supporters to ‘paint the town pink’ at Kent’s only Pride parade, rally and entertainment in Margate in July - but this week its chairman Kevin Grice fears its day are numbered.

Following the first planning meeting for the 2011 event, Mr Grice said: "The financial support that we have enjoyed since 2007 from Thanet council, Margate Charter Trustees and Kent County Council is over. Without alternative public funding or the injection of substantial private funding we cannot continue.

"Whilst we remain positive and focused in our aims, we have recognised and accepted the reality and difficulties of the effects that we, and all other voluntary groups, are facing in our community.

"With a sad heart we have had to agree a cut off date when we will decide if we can continue."

The decision will be made at the committee’s January meeting and the outcome will be based on the amount of funding that has been secured at that time.

However, Mr Grice is putting a brave face on the future and added: "For the moment, the show goes on. My priority is to work relentlessly in courting potential sponsors."

"The future of Thanet Pride depends on the willingness of public and private organisations to financially support what is proven to be a valuable, well established and successful event that is passionate about the diversity of our community and which endeavours to bring people together in a safe environment to share their differences."

For full story, see the Thanet Extra, out today, or go to www.thanetpride.co.uk