PRIDE organisers are still hoping the big name acts planned for this year will perform next year as they announced the new dates.

Brighton and Hove Pride confirmed earlier this month that this year’s 30th anniversary event was being cancelled due to coronavirus.

But bosses have now confirmed the date for next year with the hope the likes of Mariah Carey and The Pussycat Dolls will grace the stage at Preston Park.

A spokeswoman said they were “in contact with artists who were due to perform this year” with regard to next year’s dates.

She added: “After the heart-breaking decision to postpone Brighton and Hove Pride this year, we are delighted to confirm that our 30th anniversary celebrations will be held over the weekend of August 7 and 8, 2021.

The Argus:

“We are currently in discussions with artists about the rescheduled dates and will relaunch the festival and tickets later in the year.

“As a Pride With Purpose whose sole aim is to provide benefit to the community or to trade with a “social purpose”, we are overwhelmed that so many ticket holders have chosen to retain their tickets for next year’s events or donated them back to support Pride and our essential fundraising for local community organisations.”

In the past six years, Brighton and Hove Pride has raised more than £920,000 for community good causes thanks to the support of businesses, sponsors and people who buy tickets for the Pride Festival in Preston Park and Pride Village Party.

It has supported hundreds of community organisations with grants through the Brighton Rainbow Fund, Pride Social Impact Fund and Pride Cultural Development Fund. The spokesman added: “We know, when the time is right, it will be even more important for people to come back together and celebrate our communities and city.”

The Argus:

After the announcement to postpone this year’s event a Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: “We are saddened that this year’s Brighton and Hove Pride, like many other major events, has been postponed due to COVID-19 coronavirus.

“We support the decision and will be ready to be part of the 30th Pride celebrations when the pandemic is over.”

“Brighton & Hove Pride is the UK’s largest Pride festival. It is a highlight in our city’s calendar, celebrating our LGBTQ+ community and drawing attention to hard fought for rights. Pride also provides an economic benefit, with local and visiting participants going out and about over the Pride weekend.”Council leader Nancy Platts said: “We are proud of Pride in this city and celebrate our vibrant LGBTQ community all year round.

“The Brighton & Hove Pride weekend is a time when we celebrate milestones towards equality while also recognising the challenges many still unfairly face.

“It also an opportunity to celebrate our diverse communities. I look forward to the annual parade through our city every year.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund