Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Increased security for Canterbury Pride festival
Organisers of a gay pride festival taking place in the city this weekend have held talks with counterterrorism specialists.
As many as 6,000 people are expected at Canterbury Pride on Saturday, with huge crowds parading through the city and gathering in Dane John Gardens.
But in light of recent terror attacks in London and Manchester, security will be stepped up for the LGBT celebration.
Dane John will be fenced off for the first time and plain-clothed police officers will join uniformed colleagues among the revellers.
Edd Withers, chairman of Pride’s organising committee, said: “We have been speaking to both local police and counterterrorism specialists about security and visitors will notice the increased measures and police presence.
“For the first time at a Canterbury Pride, the Dane John Gardens perimeter will also be fenced off with only access via the main Watling Street entrance, where everyone coming in will have their bags searched.
“Armed officers are already
a familiar sight in Canterbury and although they are not being specifically deployed for us, they may well also be present at some stage. We have also increased our own security staff, but are doing
everything we can to make sure that, first and foremost, it is going to be a fun, family-friendly event.
“But it will be noticeable to those attending with the bag searches and people being patted down, which is the sort of things people have come to accept in the current climate.”
Mr Withers says strengthened security has pushed up the cost of the free festival to about £30,000 – almost double last year, adding: “But it’s still a completely free event and that’s only been made possible by sthe many generous sponsors by the stalls and bar.
“We are expecting more visitors as it’s the biggest of its kind in Kent and will draw people from all over the south east and London, as well as even abroad.
“That has to be good for the local economy, including hotels, B&BS and shops and restaurants.”