A campaign to keep Pride going has raised more than £1,000 in its first week.

The charity launched a drive to raise £50,000 to fill an anticipated deficit in its accounts.

If the money is not donated by the end of the year then 2010’s event will have to be scaled back.

So far more than £1,000 has been donated via Pride’s website and Club Revenge has announced it will stage a fundraising event tomorrow.

The organisers of the evening are waiving entry charges, but will be requesting donations for Pride on the door.

Yvonne Barker, chairwoman of Pride in Brighton and Hove, said: “We are immensely encouraged by the way that the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans (LGBT) community has responded to the news that Pride may have to be scaled back next year, unless we can raise sufficient funds to plug this year’s likely deficit.”

The announcement has also provoked debate in the LGBT community about the purpose of Pride and issues such as whether the main event at Preston Park should remain free.

Ms Barker said: “We have been closely following the debates on the internet and the blogosphere and hope that those who have been contributing their ideas and views will attend the feedback event we will be holding on October 6 at a venue to be announced shortly.

“We want to listen to as many views as possible to ensure that Pride meets the expectations of the community it serves, it is vital that we do.”

Pride will also organise its own fundraising event later this year.

To donate to the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/brightonpride/donate.