Liverpool Pride March cancelled for second year

Pride in Liverpool and the annual Pride March has been cancelled for a second year because of ongoing uncertainty over Coronavirus restrictions.

Organisers LCR Pride Foundation say they have investigated ‘all possible options’ to stage the event – due to take place in the city centre on July 31 – safely.

But despite the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown and hopes for a more normal summer, the ongoing uncertainty and risks around mass public gatherings and COVID-19 have prompted them to cancel the physical event for a second consecutive year.

A themed digital event is being brought together to celebrate Pride regionally instead.

Lewis Collins, Chair of the LCR Pride Foundation Board of Directors, says: “Our decision to cancel Pride in Liverpool and March with Pride for 2021 hasn’t 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 haven’t 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.”

Photo by Bryan Fowler