“Allyship is needed more than ever, so we ask everyone to continue to be kind, loving and generous”
BY DANIELLE MUSTARDE. IMAGE ALLIE SMITH
As thousands of events across the UK continue to be postponed or cancelled amid the evolving coronavirus health pandemic, it felt it was only a matter of time before one of the UK’s biggest Pride events, Pride In London, would also be postponed.
The Pride In London parade and all associated events that were due to take place on Saturday 27 June 2020, have now officially been postponed, with a new date to be announced “in due course”.
“The Pride in London parade and events are a key time of celebration and solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community, so it is a real shame that this year’s events have had to be postponed,” said The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
“However, it’s vitally important that we all listen to the latest scientific advice to protect the health of one another, and the organisers are taking the right precautions. We all hope that Pride In London will be able to back on our capital’s streets as soon as possible.”
This decision has been taken in light of the current advice from Public Health England and the UK Government regarding coronavirus/COVID-19 and how long the current situation could potentially last – with social distancing measures thought to be key to slowing the spread of the virus.
“It’s been a tough decision to postpone the Pride In London Parade and events, but the health and safety of our communities is our top priority,” reads the statement from Pride In London’s Co-Chairs.
“With the climate changing daily, we need to think even further ahead and make timely decisions to protect the health and wellbeing of our communities, volunteers and participants.
“We’ve been working closely with the Greater London Authority and have their support in taking this decision. We’re also currently working with key partners including Westminster City Council, the Metropolitan Police Service, TfL and London Fire Brigade to look at the possibility of another date. We’d like to thank our partners and agencies, as well as our volunteers and the public for their patience and ongoing support during this time.
“Additionally, we will be postponing the Pride Festival, Pride’s Got Talent, Pride in the City, Pride Boxing, the Pride 10K and all other upcoming events. We understand how important these events are to you all, so will of course be announcing future plans for each in due course.
“We fully appreciate the pressures and effects that the current situation is having on all of our communities. Allyship is needed more than ever, so we ask everyone to continue to be kind, loving and generous.
“Our priority now will be to look closely at how we can support and bring communities together over the coming months.”
Pride In London urges LGBTQI+ communities to follow the latest advice from the UK government: gov.uk/coronavirus
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