SOUTHEND’s LGBT+ Pride has been cancelled due to the pandemic.

The popular event is the latest to be scrapped after the government pushed back plans for the so called Freedom Day on June 21.

Bosses at the event, which celebrates the LGBT+ community, say it was a difficult decision after so much work and preparation went into the event, which was due to take place on July 17.

It comes as Wickford Carnival, which usually draws crowds in September, has also been cancelled for this year.

Event organisers say they will be pushing ahead for a big event next year.

Echo: Cancelled - Razzamataz Theatre Schools in the Wickford carnival in 2018Cancelled - Razzamataz Theatre Schools in the Wickford carnival in 2018

Another event that has been cancelled due to the Covid pandemic is the Summertime Live open air concert which was set to draw hundreds of party goers to Garon Park, Southend.

Southend’s legendary carnival was also cancelled earlier this year after organisers said they were unable to go ahead with hugely popular event due to the uncertainty surrounding Covid rules.

The town’s biker Shakedown event was another loss to the social calender earlier this year and was the second year in a row it had been cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

Organisers say the team is “raring to go” for next year’s planned event.

On Monday Boris Johnson put the brakes on the long-awaited removal of lockdown restrictions, which were planned for Monday, June 21.

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Addressing the public, the Prime Minister announced Freedom Day will instead take place on July 19 as the government aims to get more people vaccinated.

A spokesman for Southend Pride said: “This has been a very difficult decision to make as the team have worked extremely hard through demanding circumstances, and had hoped to bring the community together after such a tough year.

“However, the current situation is beyond the team’s control and they have had to accept that producing Pride under present constraints is not possible.”

Sam Adams, Southend Pride Chair, said: “We are so disappointed to make this announcement – so much hard work, time and effort has been put into the preparations of this event.

“I would like to thank the whole LGBTQ+ community for their support and also to all the businesses that offered to host events and decorate their venues. We will be back bigger than ever next year.”