City's Pride cancelled over 'economic climate'

A city's Pride event has been cancelled and the organisation in charge is being closed down, due to "the current economic climate."

Hereford Pride, a community interest company, made the announcement on Tuesday, saying it "hasn't been an easy decision for anyone currently involved in the organisation."

A spokesperson for the group said: "The current economic climate being such as it is, and the dedication, commitment and energy required for such a project, wasn't ultimately sustainable.

"Like with any Pride, the organisation and running relies solely on volunteers, even at director level, with funding very difficult to obtain."

The organisation said all strategic options had been explored, including new people taking on the project, but said nothing could be facilitated.

They added: "Now more than ever, Prides all round the world are vital to giving a voice to LGBTQ+ people, so this makes us very sad we've had to come to such a decision."

Hereford Pride was formed by the late John Walker, who the organisation said was a "pioneer" for LGBTQ+ rights and "a passionate man who strived to make Hereford a beacon of hope for the community that he loved most dear."

"We are deeply saddened that we were unable to continue his legacy but hope he would understand," they said.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.