UK Black Pride has had so many volunteers for this weekend’s event that they have had to turn some applicants away.

Organizers of tomorrow’s (18 August) LGBT festival at London’s Ministry of Sound nightclub said they have been ‘blown away’ by the response after receiving more than 100 volunteer applications.

Volunteers for the event are provided with health and safety, first aid, and crowd management training, a ‘Some people are gay – get over it’ T-shirt from sponsor Stonewall, as well as meal vouchers and travel reimbursement.

‘We reward our volunteers as members of the UK Black Pride family by providing free training, access to world class artists and a modest financial contribution for the amazing support they provide this event,’ said UK Black Pride’s Dr Beverley Duguid.

‘We could not function were it not for the community’s voluntary support.’

The event has received praise from the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group for their work to empower LGBT asylum seekers and refugees, and for providing a number of free tickets to refugees and asylum seekers who are often excluded from general LGBTQI community activities.

UK Black Pride’s Executive Director, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, said: ‘As LGBT people and activists, many of us have roots in countries from where other LGBT people flee for the right to live with dignity and respect.

‘Sadly, the journey to security and human rights is fraught with difficulties and discrimination across institutions and society.

‘UK Black Pride is proud to continue support for LGBT asylum seeker and refugee sisters and brothers at this festival as we work to decriminalise homosexuality everywhere.’