Decision made on this year's Worthing Pride and the future of the event

The parade and festival was due to take place on Saturday, July 11 - but the spread of the virus across the country has decimated local events as the Government effectively banned public gatherings to slow its growth.

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Children’s therapy service ‘thrilled’ to be Worthing Pride’s main charity for 2020Previously, organisers Mike Hall and Pete Jervis said they would continue to assess the situation.

But now, they have confirmed this year's event will be postponed.

They said: "In these very strange and uncertain times we have taken the tough decision to postpone Worthing Pride 2020. This has not been a easy decision, but a necessary one.

Our priority has and will always be the safety of everyone involved."

The pair did share some good news, however: next year's date has already been picked.

Worthing Pride 2021 will take place on Saturday, July 10.

Tickets for this year's main event will remain valid for next year, but if customers need a refund they should follow the instructions sent out to them via email in the next few days.

However, all free tickets for the seafront parade will be cancelled and those who want to take part will need to re-registering when the tickets go live again.

Mike and Pete said: "We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved to date, sponsors, suppliers, traders, acts, production management, medical and security staff. And everyone who brought tickets, shared our posts and just generally supported us.

"We will be back!! Bigger and better!

"For now stay safe, and stay at home."

Last year, tens of thousands of people turned out to watch the procession along Worthing promenade. Click here to see the photos.For more details about the event, visit the Worthing Pride website.

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