PEOPLE have called on organisers to cancel Pride festival over fears that big crowds could spread the virus.

Readers have branded the decision to host the event in August as "irresponsible" and are urging organisers to hold the event next year instead.

Last year, coronavirus restrictions meant the event to mark its landmark 30th anniversary was cancelled “with a heavy heart”.

However, following the news of the UK Government’s roadmap for the lifting of social distancing rules on June 21, organisers say they are “thrilled” to announce this year’s event will go ahead as planned.

The celebrations will take place on August 6-8.

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The announcement that the event will return was met with frustration from some residents, who branded the decision as "disappointing".

Facebook user Lynn Brown said: "It is outrageous to allow this to go ahead!

"I have spent over a year away from family and friends to stay safe.

"I hope the numbers will be limited. We have to return to normality slowly surely."

Another user, Chris Fairwa said: "Really disappointed, it should not happen this year as we sill at high risk."

While Tracy King added: "I think that big get together events where social distancing can't be put in place shouldn't take place this year.

"Let's wait another year to be safe from Covid."

Facebook commenter Elliott Arnold said: "Not a good idea.

"I mean events like this attract very big crowds and not all of them are vaccinated and we don’t want a summer lockdown here.

"Wait until next year to be safe."

George Wells added: "How can this go ahead . I have nothing against Pride but and saving lives is more important."

Pride was due to take place on August 1 and 2 last year with stars Mariah Carey and The Pussycat Dolls headlining the two days of music at Preston Park.

Organisers made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event due to the "catastrophic health and economic impacts" the pandemic was having on the community.

Announcing its return, organisers said: “Pride is a hugely important event for our city and community groups and we are regularly reviewing our planning by working with strategic partners and Brighton and Hove City Council and following government guidelines, so if you plan to attend Pride this year we advise early booking as demand is already high and we may need to limit or amend capacities.

“Over 20,000 early bird and first release tickets had already sold out in 2020 and we’d like to thank everyone who rolled over their tickets to 2021.

"Existing ticket holders don’t need to do anything as your tickets are already valid."