Southampton Pride 2020 cancelled due to coronavirus crisis

Organisers announced today that Southampton Pride, which was scheduled for August 29, has been cancelled.

Committee members who organiser the festival have said that although they have been working to keep the event going, a review of the situation has lead to the day being cancelled.

In a statement a spokesperson said: "We have to put the safety of all of our attendees, businesses and volunteers first.

• All the photos from Southampton Pride 2019

"With no clear sign of normality resuming by August, the decision has been made to cancel and focus our efforts on returning next year with our best Pride yet.

"We are actively assessing our options in bringing you a digital event in August to ensure that the LGBT+ community in Southampton can still join us in some form, with more details of this to be announced in the coming weeks via our social media channels."

It comes after the announcement that Boomtown 2020 will not be going ahead this summer due to the coronavirus crisis.

• Boomtown 2020: Festival CANCELLED over coronavirus fears

The organisers said they were "heartbroken" that the event which was due to take place between August 12 and 16 this year has been cancelled.

Southampton Pride organisers have announced next year's date at August 28, 2021.

"We would finally like to thank all of our sponsors, partners, volunteers and of course our amazing attendees for their continued support and understanding throughout this unprecedented time," They added.

"We will continue to offer support through our social channels including signposting to relevant support agencies should this be required."

Last year, more than 12,000 people celebrated the fourth annual Southampton Pride at Guildhall Square.