PRIDE fans disappointed by the event’s cancellation are organising their own unofficial parade.

Brighton Pride is one of the city’s largest events, drawing tens of thousands to the seaside to take part in its parade and party.

However, this year’s event has been called off because of the current coronavirus pandemic, with a return expected in 2021.

But people are now organising unofficial parade to be held between September 5 and 7.

Brighton and Hove City Council has urged the organisers to speak to its events team and police about their plans.

Councillor Carmen Appich, chairwoman of the tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “Brighton Pride is an event that showcases our city positively across the world, boosts our local economy and raises funds for local LGBTQ charities.

“We were saddened that this year’s Pride joined the list of major events around the globe to be cancelled during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

“The official event organisers announced their decision not to go ahead with this summer’s event back at the start of April.

“We’re working with the Brighton Pride organisers on the next event being planned for August 2021. It’s a huge operation that involves many months of planning and co-operation from partners across the city.

“We’ve not been approached by the ‘unofficial Brighton Pride parade’ at this time.

“We encourage the organisers to speak with our events team and the police about their plans.”

The parade is being hosted by “Unofficial Brighton Pride”, who said: “If the council deny our Pride march we will have our own demonstration.

“A peaceful protest, respecting social distance and Government guidelines. Pride awareness still needs to happen even in this day and age.

“Please join us as we march through town to Preston park.”

Official Pride organisers said it was with a “heavy heart that Brighton and Hove Pride has taken the difficult decision to postpone their landmark 30th anniversary celebrations”.

The cancellation was a huge blow to the thousands who look forward to the event each year and the charities and businesses who benefit from the huge parade and party.

A spokesman for Brighton Pride said: “We are not aware of any plans to hold an unofficial Pride parade and are not connected to the event.

“Unfortunately due to the Government guidelines around public gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic, we are unable to hold the official Pride LGBTQ community parade this year.

“We will however have a virtual Pride parade as part of our online celebrations on August 1 that will feature many of the community groups that would usually have taken part.

“We will also be raising essential funds for our local charities and community groups.”