One of the most famous Pride events in the world has been cancelled, organisers have announced.
The annual Brighton Pride that sees thousands of people flock to the city has been scrapped for the second year in a row.
In a statement posted online, organisers said they are "heartbroken" to cancel the popular event due to the uncertainty over mass gatherings.
Last year, coronavirus restrictions meant the event to mark the landmark 30th anniversary was cancelled “with a heavy heart”.
The celebrations were due to take place this year on August 7 and August 8.
We are heartbroken to have to announce the cancellation of Brighton & Hove Pride’s Community Parade, Pride Village Party and Pride Festival on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th August 2021.
— Brighton & Hove Pride (@PrideBrighton) May 5, 2021
You can read the full announcement here: https://t.co/VqJ9viE6Xs pic.twitter.com/5z82tWrEF9
Paul Kemp, director of Brighton Pride said,“We are devastated at having to make this decision for a second year and recognise the huge impact on local businesses, charities and community groups who rely on the fundraising potential of the Pride weekend.
“Pride attracts tens of thousands of people to our city for the LGBTQ+ community parade which is the heart of the Pride celebrations, where social distancing clearly can’t be facilitated safely.
"Our planning has also identified significant supply chain challenges including infrastructure, security and staffing making it impossible to deliver a safe event with any certainty.
“Community fundraising has always been our main objective for Pride, but without the safety net of viable Covid cancellation insurance, we cannot jeopardise our ability to deliver a sustainable fundraising Pride in future years.
“I’d like to thank all of our contractors, suppliers and partner agencies who have tried their upmost to help us move forward with planning, and to everyone who has purchased a ticket for their understanding and support, we can’t wait to bring Pride back in 2022 better than ever.”
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