Pride in Liverpool attracts more than 50,000 people to the city each year and is one of the biggest events on the visitor economy calendar, generating millions of pounds. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool’s annual Pride festival – one of the biggest events in the visitor economy calendar – has become the latest victim of the coronavirus outbreak.
Pride in Liverpool, which attracts more than 50,000 people, was due to take place in Liverpool city centre on Saturday, July 25. However, organisers, LCR Pride Foundation, have said the event will be postponed to a new date to be announced in the coming weeks.
The decision also affects the annual March with Pride and Pride Sundae programme of events. Every year Pride is worth millions of pounds to the city’s bars, hotels and restaurants who are already being severely hit by the coronavirus shutdown.
Andi Herring, co-founder of LCR Pride Foundation, said: “Knowing the importance of the annual Pride in Liverpool festival to so many people, suppliers and businesses, the decision to postpone the event has not been taken lightly.
“Since the escalation of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been in regular communication with all of our partners, sponsors and suppliers. We have also been closely following advice and updates from Public Health England and the UK Government.
“In this planning stage of the event, we usually meet in person with emergency service partners, health services and other suppliers, in order to ensure a safe, secure and well-organised festival.
“The recent announcement of the Government-enforced lockdown, which we fully support, means that these vital meetings will not be possible. The decision to postpone has been led by our commitment to protect the health and wellbeing of all of our communities, both now and at our annual festival.
“We remain committed to bringing Pride in Liverpool to the city region this year, at a time when we can play a part in bringing our communities back together and help to reboot the city’s economy. We will be announcing our new date in the coming weeks, along with our annual theme and campaigns.
“We thank everyone for their patience and understanding in these challenging times and encourage everyone to stay home and stay safe.”