Council cancels this year’s Pride event

21 May 2020 02:53
Published by: Scott Callan

Cheshire East Council has cancelled its Pride in the Park event, which was due to take place in Queens Park, Crewe on 12 September.

Government restrictions on hosting large outdoor public events continue to be in place, and many other Pride events across the county, including Chester, Congleton and Macclesfield, have also been cancelled this year. The council's Pride event was originally scheduled for Saturday 20 June, and it was hoped that it would be possible to host the event in September, when the event was rescheduled back in March.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health and corporate services, said: "It is with genuine regret that we have made the decision to cancel our event. I appreciate that this news will come as a big disappointment to many people, but our first priority must always be the safety of the public, and with that in mind, this is the only sensible course of action that we can take.

"I am convinced that Pride in the Park will come back even bigger and better next year but for now, I'd like to say a big thank you to all our sponsors, acts and the LGBT+ community in Cheshire East for their support and patience. We sincerely hope that we will have the opportunity of working with you again in 2021."

The council is currently putting together an exciting programme of music, competitions and other content for a virtual Pride event with dates to be agreed. Keep an eye on the Pride Facebook page for the latest information and to find out how you can be involved.

People who attended last year's event in Crewe will also remember that an important part of the day was the wellbeing marketplace, which featured local organisations that offer advice and guidance on subjects including weddings, health, fostering and adoption.

The providers that were there in person at last year's event give their support all year round, so we urge the LGBT community to reach out for support and advice by visiting: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell. If any of the community feel that they need support with their mental health during this difficult time they can contact the Switchboard LGBT+ helpline at www.switchboard.lgbt

Pride in the Park will return to Queens Park, Crewe as a live outdoor event on Saturday 19 June, 2021. Further updates will be shared at www.prideinthepark.com

 

 

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