A PRIDE event is set to go ahead for the first time, despite online homophobic abuse.

The Seahaven Pride and Family Festival is taking place in Seaford on the August bank holiday, the first event of it's kind for the area.

Organisers Paul Wylie and Molly Hoy, both aged 48, organised it for the local LGBTQ+ community because of the lack of events due to Covid.

"They haven't had as much support in the last year and Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven don't really have Pride events," said Molly.

Brighton and Eastbourne are usually relied on to host Pride festivals, but the pair want to change that by creating the Seahaven event that includes Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven.

Molly said: "We believe we are a big enough area and we wanted to deliver this event, there's a lot of support around it but we have unfortunately experienced homophobia from many people as well.

"It has really highlighted the need for the event and I did go as far as to report it to the police and it was recorded as a crime."

The pair, both from Peacehaven, said they were disgusted by the comments they received from some local residents as well as people nationally.

"It's pretty horrific stuff, some saying that the event is being held for gay people to groom children and kids shouldn't be anywhere near a Pride event.

"Some people said that we are supporters of paedophilia, really horrendous things," said Paul.

They have also had reports from LGBTQ+ residents of further abuse and not feeling comfortable to enter certain bars and pubs because they do not feel they are accessible to them.

Paul, a trainer singer and actor, added: “We really believe that the event is significant in facilitating positive change and breaking down social barriers in our local area.

"We must remember that it is not just about having a party, but also about raising awareness on issues faced by the community and building a stronger sense of identity and belonging.

"A chap in his 70s burst into tears when he saw it, he never believed he would see it in his life time. We're just trying to do something that so many people have strived for for years."

The festival will take place on Sunday August 29 at the Martello Fields in Seaford and has a capacity of 4,000 people.

Originally, the organisers hoped the event would be free but struggled for funding.

Paul has personally committed funding to the event which they hope will contribute to improving the visibility and lives of LGBTQ+ people in the local area.

The line-up includes top UK tributes to Queen, Dolly Parton, Shirley Bassey, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga and Tina Turner.

As well as several local performers and drag artists, such as Miss Jason, and a DJ set from Woody Cook, son of Fatboy Slim and Zoe Ball.

"We want our event to inspire other people in rural towns to put on their own festivals, because there's no reason why the community should suffer."

"We nearly pulled out due to the lack of funding but we think it's really important," said Paul.

Molly and Paul are looking for support from the public in order to show homophobic abusers that the event cannot be pushed underground.

There are still tickets available, currently on sale at www.seahavenpride.com and any local businesses or individuals that would also like to support or sponsor the event are still able to.

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