Warwickshire Pride festival cancelled

The annual Warwickshire Pride festival has been cancelled due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.

The trustees of the festival have issued a statement about the cancellation and have also said that some of their other event have also been cancelled.

The statement said: "It is with great sadness that we announce this year’s Warwickshire Pride festival, which was due to take place on August 22, has been cancelled.

"Unfortunately, the continued uncertainty regarding COVID-19 means that it has become impossible to continue planning for this year’s festival.

"Stallholders, performers and suppliers have understandably started to drop out, sponsors have pulled their support, and it is unclear how much longer the current situation will go on for.

"Ultimately, the health, safety and wellbeing of the public and our hard working team of volunteers comes before anything else.

"As much as we would love to go ahead with this year’s festival, it just isn’t viable at this time.

"Warwickshire Pride 2020 would have been our biggest and best festival to date.

"We were going to have our first ever parade/march and had so many exciting things lined up for the day. This year’s theme was ‘Vision of the Future’, but this is not the future that we had envisioned.

"In addition to the Warwickshire Pride festival being cancelled, we also confirm that Warwickshire Pride’s Got Talent, plus Pride picnics in Leamington, Stratford Rugb,y and Nuneaton are also cancelled. All, of course, will be rearranged at a later date when life returns to normal.

"As you may be aware, we also run a range of support services and social activities all year round.

"Due to COVID-19 they are all currently on a break. However, everyone is welcome to join our online community of LGBT+ people on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/2565240413714869.

"It’s a safe, inclusive online space where you can access support and connect with other LGBT+ people. We are still here for you.

"We know that this news will be of huge disappointment to a lot of people, who flock to our festival each year and enjoy the relaxed, welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.

"This decision has not been taken lightly and as a team we are heartbroken. However, it is the right decision at this time and we promise to be back with a bang in 2021.

"We hope you’ll join us then.

"In the meantime, if you wish to support Warwickshire Pride so that our charity can continue to function and support LGBT+ people across the county, please consider donating to us via Facebook or visit www.warwickshirepride.co.uk/donate for details.

"Thank you for your understanding and support."