Bristol Pride Parade called off – but ‘we will march together soon’
BRISTOL Pride organisers have taken the “heartbreaking” decision to postpone the parade and scale back events in a further blow to Bristol’s events calendar.
Following the delay to lockdown being lifted, it has been announced the celebration on Saturday, July 10, will go ahead without the colourful march, day gathering or after party.
The Pride Dog Show on Saturday, July 3 has also been postponed as a result of the Government’s decision to delay stage four of the roadmap, announced on Monday.
A programme of in-venue and socially distanced events will still be taking place including the cabaret show, comedy night, queer vision film festival and more.
Festival director Eve Russell said: “We’re so sad to announce that we have taken the decision to postpone the Parade March and our planned Pride Day Gathering on July 10 at such short notice.
“Following the government announcement to delay the roadmap, we have met with Public Health, Bristol City Council and Avon and Somerset Police to discuss the feasibility of all parts of these events.
“We had robustly planned all our events to ensure they could go ahead had the rules not been relaxed, but sadly Covid-19 cases are rising significantly in Bristol, particularly among young people, and it just won’t be possible to deliver the day in a way that is safe at this time.
“While the majority of our programmed events are able to go ahead, the Pride Dog Show on July 3 will also be postponed and as nightclubs will not be permitted to reopen, the official after-party on July 10 will, unfortunately, be cancelled.”
Coronavirus cases have been rising in Bristol and some areas have seen rates per 100,000 rise over 200.
Eve added: “This is heartbreaking for our team who have spent the past 10 months planning a safe programme of events and of course, most importantly, for the LGBT+ communities which are the heart of Bristol Pride.
“We know how much they have been looking forward to coming together and celebrating after the long period of isolation the pandemic has forced upon us.
“We will continue to look at the data and liaise with the council to agree new dates when it’s safe to do so.
“We hope people can still celebrate but must remind LGBT+ people to be responsible as to how they do this.
“We urge them to not gather in big groups at this time when we are very much experiencing a tipping point in Bristol. Whilst we know this will be disappointing for everyone, health and safety must remain the top priority at all times.
“To the LGBT+ people of Bristol, please remember that we still have a really exciting programme of in-venue and socially distanced events to look forward to including Cabaret Show, Comedy Night, Queer Vision Film Festival and we’re working on some exciting elements to enjoy your Pride with your bubble safely.
“You can still support us, and the work we do, by buying a supporter wristband. We’re still here, we’re still proud and we will march together soon.”
We urge people to not gather in big groups at this time when we are experiencing a tipping point in Bristol Eve Russell