A PRIDE event has been given the go-ahead by the council despite protesters claiming it would be "unsuitable".

The Seahaven Pride and Family Festival is officially taking place on Sunday.

Some residents argued against the event in the Martello Fields, Seaford.

A licence was needed to host the event, the first of its kind for the area.

Lewes District Council granted permission for the event, which will bring together people from across Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven.

A spokesman for the event said: "We would like to express our sincerest thanks to the Lewes councillors who have worked tirelessly with us to ensure all of the necessary facilities were in place.

"In addition to the amazing team at Seaford Town Council who have been instrumental in our planning.

"We would also like to thanks Sussex Police, the licensing officer at Lewes District Council, the safety advisory group and other agencies who have worked with us throughout our planning process."

The license allows organisers to use the venue one day per year, as long as Sussex Police and Lewes District Council are given four months’ notice.

It also allows for live and recorded music from 9am to 9pm and the sale of alcohol 10am to 9pm.

Residents who objected to the festival believe that the town is "unsuitable" for this event.

In a joint objection, Rev Peter and Mrs Norma King said: “We are very unhappy about this event going ahead instead of the usual Donkey Derby.

“Seaford is a totally unsuitable place to hold a pride festival. The granting of this licence will introduce a very different type of event and atmosphere to what we are used to in Seaford.

“In our opinion the town does not want or need this type of event. The residents of the town are quiet and peace-loving and many of them elderly. Most people who attend this type of event will not be local."

Another road block for the festival has been a series of online homophobic abuse.

Paul Wylie, one of the organisers, said: "It's pretty horrific stuff, some saying that the event is being held for gay people to groom children and kids shouldn't be anywhere near a Pride event.

"Some people said that we are supporters of paedophilia, really horrendous things."

However, organisers believe that the objections and abuse show how important an event like this is.

Tickets are still available for the event at www.seahavenpride.com.

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