Pride in Liverpool has been postponed another year.
Last July, Pride in Liverpool ran a virtual pride march with the hopes of making a grand return this summer. Unfortunately, those plans have once again been dashed, as it’s been confirmed today that the 2021 celebrations, including both the festival and march, have been cancelled.
Despite the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown and high hopes for return of some larger-scale events, uncertainty and risks around mass public gatherings and Covid-19 have prompted the organisation to cancel the physical events for a second consecutive year. The decision was a tough one to take for both organisers and festival-goers, with LCR Pride Foundation saying the decision has “not been taken lightly” and that the team has “worked tirelessly” to explore all possible options.
Lewis Collins, chair of the LCR Pride Foundation Board of Directors, said: “Our decision to cancel Pride in Liverpool and March with Pride for 2021 has not been taken lightly. The organisation’s team and board have worked tirelessly with Liverpool City Council and other partners to explore all possibilities, but despite these efforts we have not found an option that would allow us to confidently proceed and deliver an event that would guarantee the safety, health and enjoyment of the people who attend each year, and the suppliers, businesses and partners that support the event.
“The health, safety and wellbeing of all involved with and attending the event is absolutely paramount. The ongoing uncertainty around Covid-19 restrictions and the limitations we face in terms of implementing Covid- 19 security measures at a free-to-access event attracting 50,000 people, has made it clear that we will not be able to deliver Pride in Liverpool or March with Pride safely and effectively in 2021. We understand how important Pride in Liverpool is in bringing our communities together and realise the disappointment this announcement will cause.”
Despite the cancellation, LCR Pride Foundation will be launching a digital programme to ensure that Pride is still celebrated across the region. Lewis Collins added that they will soon be announcing their annual theme and digital programme to ensure can still be celebrated across the region and provide support and visibility to the city region’s LGBT+ community.
Andrew Websdale, regional head of Barclays Spectrum, Barclays LGBT+ colleague network, said: “Pride is more than a march, it’s about coming together as a community in celebration, unity and solidarity. So while we all wish we could get together on the streets of Liverpool this year, we know that LCR Pride Foundation will put on a phenomenal virtual event programme that raises awareness of the struggles that the LGBT+ community still face, and celebrates how far we have come, in a way that is safe for everyone.”
For more information and announcements about LCR Pride Foundation’s digital programme and other initiatives, visit lcrpride.co.uk