The boss of the West End’s Outernet attraction has been appointed co-chair of London’s bid to host the World Pride event in 2030.
Philip O’Ferrall, who is CEO and co-founder of Outernet, best known for its giant screens near Tottenham Court Road station, shares the role with Christopher Joell-Deshields, chief executive of Pride in London. Outernet is also the official sponsor of the bid.
O’Ferrall is one of the highest-profile LGBTQ + executives in the entertainment industry and was the winner of the Abercrombie & Fitch European Diversity Champion award in 2016.
He said “We have had a strong relationship with Pride since we opened and at the heart of Outernet is the power of community and inclusion. World Pride coming to the UK would be a pivotal moment. I want to create something that champions everything Pride stands for and call upon business leaders to support an event that will generate hundreds of millions for the UK economy. I’m so proud to lead the bid both with Christopher and his team to build on all the great work they have done with Pride along with the huge support from the Mayor and City Hall.”
Christopher Joell-Deshields, chief executive of Pride in London said “I am delighted to welcome Philip O’Ferrall as my co-chair of the World Pride 2030 steering committee. As both a prominent LGBTQ+ business leader and CEO of Outernet, Philip will help us bridge London’s business sector and LGBTQ+ community as we develop our bid. Together, we’ll work closely with our diverse LGBTQ+ organisations to create a compelling vision for World Pride that not only celebrates our city’s values of inclusion but will deliver a transformative legacy for London’s LGBTQ+ community.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that Philip O’Ferrall and Outernet are a key part of London’s bid to host World Pride. Philip’s wealth of experience in the entertainment industry and as a LGBTQ+ rights champion will be integral to demonstrating why our capital is a beacon of inclusivity and the perfect host for World Pride 2030.
“This prestigious event will celebrate our LGBTQ+ communities, welcome visitors from across the globe and bring a significant boost to London’s economy. I’m committed to helping to deliver a fantastic event in London, as we build a better, more inclusive city for everyone.”
The inaugural WorldPride was held in Rome in 2000 and was last hosted by London in 2012.
