ORGANISERS have shared their "devastation" on what would be Pride weekend as huge crowds due to flock to the city are forced to wait another year.

The annual festival that sees thousands of people flock to Brighton was scrapped for the second year in a row in May.

At the time, organisers said they are "heartbroken" to cancel the popular event due to the uncertainty over mass gatherings.

Last year, coronavirus restrictions meant the event to mark the landmark 30th anniversary was cancelled “with a heavy heart”.

The celebrations were due to take place this year on August 7 and August 8.

Ahead of the weekend that would have seen thousands take part in the LGBTQ+ festival, organisers said they are "devastated" plans could not go ahead.

A spokesman said: "As we approach what would have been Pride weekend, we are devastated that we cannot put on the spectacular Pride festival and celebrations we had planned, and advocate that the need for community has never been stronger.

"Although for many Pride is a celebration, for us Pride has its roots in protest and campaigning, and as our hard fought for LGBTQ+ human rights are slowly being rolled back in parts of the world and more anti-LGBT discriminatory legislation introduced, it is essential we come together to demand full equality and decriminalisation of LGBTQ+ people worldwide.

"We recognise the huge impact the pandemic has had on all local businesses and if you are out in the city this weekend would ask you to support our LGBTQ+ venues that are there for you all year round, many of whom are fundraising for The Brighton Rainbow Fund and other essential local charities.

"We would like to thank everyone who has purchased a Pride ticket for their understanding and support, and we can’t wait to bring Pride back in 2022 better than ever, celebrating and campaigning for LGBTQ+ communities and rights around the world."

Following the cancellation of the event, it was later revealed that the absence of "government-backed Covid insurance" made it too hard to predict what would happen to the festival, forcing organisers to scrap it.

Concerns around the lack of protection and safety net for big events, including Pride, were echoed by Caroline Lucas.

The Brighton Pavilion MP said the event's programme faced total collapse because of the "government’s failure to act on Covid-related cancellation insurance".

She wrote: "This summer’s festival and events programme is facing near wipe-out because of the government’s failure to act on Covid-related cancellation insurance.

"It’s impossible for promoters and organisers to pay huge up-front costs if they can’t get protection in the event of cancellation.

"I fear many other events will also be called off because of the government’s short-sightedness.”