Pride in London has been postponed
The UK capital's annual celebration of LGBTQ love and equality has been postponed.
By Will Stroude
Pride in London will not take place this June.
The annual celebration of LGBTQ love and equality in the UK capital, which had been due to be held on 27 June, has been postponed as the world continues to battle the spread of coronavirus.
“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”, organisers said in a statement released on Monday morning (23 March).
“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.”
Confirming that Pride in London will return at a later date, Co-Chairs of Pride in London Alison Camps & Michael Salter-Church said: “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.”
They continued: “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.
“We thank you for your patience and understanding in these difficult times and will continue to update you moving forwards.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said in a statement: “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.
“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.”