No ticket to pride on the Isle of Wight in 2019
Organisers of the annual Isle of Wight Pride event have confirmed that it will not be taking place this year. A public meeting was held this afternoon (Saturday) to discuss the future of Isle of Wight Pride after a desperate call was made for volunteers following the departure of some key figures from the organising committee. A packed meeting at the Riverside Centre in Newport heard plans for the future of Pride, with many people offering their suppor as volunteers on the day and for the organising committee. However, it has been announced that a decision has been made to call off this year’s Isle of Wight Pride event. Focus will now turn to building a sustainable community event for 2020 with a 5 year plan to help Pride become a staple part of the Island’s events calendar for many years to come. Organisers have this afternoon said: “Whilst there is sadness in a focal Pride event not taking place in 2019, Pride is not about just one day and there will still be a lot of background work taking place, including community events throughout the year, training with schools and building support and guidance and love for the Islands marginalised LGBT+ community. “With an increase in Charity Trustees as a result of the meeting, the future for the Islands LGBT+ Pride charity is bright and promises to bring a Pride March and event in 2020 to coincide with the 50th year anniversary of the Gay Liberation Front being formed. “Pride will still be looking for volunteers to step forward to help with the many community events that they will be attending in 2019 and plans for 2020 will begin soon with aspirations for something that the Island will treasure and be proud of”.
