Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Antwerp Pride 2025 got 20% more sponsorship than 2024, with support from Coca-Cola, Deloitte, Proximus, and others. Chairman Geert Van Praet says backing grew despite political pressure.
As VRT News reported, Antwerp Pride has received 20% more sponsorship this year than in 2024. The organisers confirmed the increase and said they are happy with the extra support. There were fears that some companies might stop helping because of political pressure. Pride chairman Geert Van Prat said they were worried about Donald Trump’s return to the spotlight.
Trump has been speaking out against diversity and inclusion. He wants companies to change or stop those programs. This made some sponsors unsure about supporting LGBTQ+ events. But many chose to give even more. The organisers say this shows that their message is still strong. They believe companies now see the need to speak up and support equality.
“We hear from our partners that they wanted to do more in these times.”
Chairman Geert Van Praet
What led to the rise in sponsorship support for Antwerp Pride 2025?
Chairman Geert Van Prat said it was a positive reaction to growing pressure against diversity. Some feared sponsors would step back, but the opposite happened. Many partners gave more money. The political mood, especially in the U.S., made them realise the Pride message still matters.
Antwerp Pride gets support from both international and Belgian companies. Big global names like Coca-Cola, Deloitte, MSC Cruises, and Ford are listed as partners on its website. But Antwerp Pride also depends on strong local help. Belgian companies such as the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Maes beer, and Proximus also give money and support.
“If many companies had withdrawn, the event’s continued existence might have been jeopardised,”
says Van Praet.
Antwerp Pride gets less sponsor money than events in cities like Amsterdam. Chairman Geert Van Praet says only 18% of their money comes from sponsors. Most of the money comes from the government, sales, and donations.
He says big companies give more support in Amsterdam. Those companies are not based in Antwerp. Still, Van Praet is happy with the support they get. Some partners have helped for many years. They believe in the message of Pride.
Antwerp Pride started on May 5, 1979, with Belgium’s first Pride event, called Roze Zaterdag. It happened in Antwerp and marked the beginning of public support for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. In the years before, local groups like the Red Butterflies were already active in fighting for equality.
Since 2008, Antwerp Pride has grown into a bigger event with parades, music, and cultural shows. It now takes place every August. Many local and international sponsors support it.
