Pride events in the city are cancelled – so celebrate online!

Prior to Brighton & Hove Digital Pride Festival: We Are FABULOSO kicking off online this weekend (subscribe here so you don’t miss out), Brighton & Hove Pride, Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton & Hove NHS services have released a joint statement:

‘There are no official Pride events taking place in Brighton & Hove this weekend, August 1 and 2, the date Brighton & Hove Pride 2020 was due to take place.

‘Large, unplanned and unauthorised gatherings are banned during the pandemic. To prevent the spread of the virus, people are being urged to avoid mingling in groups from many different households.

‘Transport services to and from the city are limited, with trains running only a quarter of their usual services due to the impact of Covid-19.

‘This year’s ‘stay at home’ Pride is very different from the usual event and aims to keep the spirit of Pride thriving while keeping everyone safe inside.

‘Instead of gathering together in the city, Pride followers from near and far are being called on to join in the celebrations for Brighton & Hove Pride 2020 at home this weekend, by tuning into online events broadcast from a purpose-built studio in the heart of Brighton.

‘Brighton & Hove Pride is one of the city’s largest events, in usual years drawing thousands to celebrate by taking part in its parade and Preston Park event. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pride 2020 is set to be different with a digital Pride celebration – FABULOSO – planned by the organisers of the official annual city event.

‘Pride takes place to recognise and celebrate the LGBTQ+  history and the progress made towards equality. Pride is also a protest as people stand up against the continued injustices that LGBTQ+  people face in the world, and show solidarity.

‘Celebrating virtually offers the opportunity to use digital and social media to make a truly inclusive event, which will ensure everyone will be able to come together to experience Brighton & Hove Pride, including fantastic free-to-view entertainment:

• A spectacular line-up streaming live into homes
• A weekend of digital celebrations and archive performances from some of the world’s biggestLGBTQ+ stars
• Line-up will be tied together by live presenters
• Many online warm-up events

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council said: ‘Although this year we cannot come together in person to celebrate Pride, we can still fully support and celebrate our fantastic LGBTQ+ communities online with FABULOSO. 2020 marks 50 years since the founding of the Gay Liberation Front and a reminder that equality has been hard fought for.

‘We believe passionately in the transformative effects of Pride and the importance and strength of our diverse communities. Moving the celebrations online brings people together during the pandemic in a safe way.’

Paul Kemp, managing director of Brighton & Hove Pride, said: ‘We want people to come together in a safe and socially distanced way, and have their own Pride celebration at home. We are excited about plans for a spectacular FABULOSO online festival to mark its 30 years of campaigning, protest and celebration and help raise essential funds for our LGBTQ+ community groups. 

‘During these challenging times we are inviting all our friends in the city, the country and the world to join in our celebrations of Pride together.’

Dr Andy Hodson, clinical chair of NHS Brighton & Hove CCG, said: ‘While the Pride event is not taking place due to COVID-19 and the challenges it brings to social distancing safely, its significance cannot be cancelled. Digital Pride is a fantastic way for friends from around the world to tune in and join in our annual Pride celebrations safely from the comfort of their homes.’

Residents and visitors are reminded by Pride organisers and partners, including the police, that unofficial events are not welcome or allowed in the city due to the ongoing pandemic.