The weekend’s Pride fringe event in Gateshead has been rescheduled due to days of violent unrest throughout the UK and the North East.
The town centre celebration’s organisers have stated that, per police and Gateshead Council advice, the event will not take place on Saturday, August 10 owing to safety concerns. In the wake of the tragic stabbing deaths of three young girls in Southport last week, numerous events have been cancelled throughout the area, and more protests are scheduled over the next few days.
“Out North East in partnership with Gateshead Council and the amazing businesses and retailers in Gateshead had planned a day of pride celebration in Gateshead Town Centre on Saturday 10th August, but due to the recent riots by a small minority and in consultation with the Police and Gateshead Council, we have decided to postpone the event to a later date,” said a statement released by the Pride event organisers on Wednesday.
“We will now actively be searching for another date to organise this event. Pride is all about the community coming together in safety and without fear. As soon as feasible, we will announce the revised date for the postponed event.”
The organisers stated: “While this is obviously very disappointing for everyone, the good news is that our family picnic in Saltwell Park on Sunday will be going ahead as planned and we hope as many people as possible will join us and enjoy a fantastic day out.”
The decision was seen as “a sad but correct decision in the context of recent events” by Gateshead Central MP Mark Ferguson. “Those who engage in violence, rioting, racism, and Islamophobia will feel the full force of the law,” the Labour MP added in a warning.
Coincidentally, leaders of Gateshead Council, including Council Leader Coun Martin Gannon, the Leader of the Opposition, and Cabinet members, have denounced the violent disorder across the UK, stating that they are “saddened” by the events taking place, even in nearby boroughs and towns. The authorities of Gateshead have reassured the people living there, as well as the workers, that they are working “round-the-clock with emergency services” to guarantee their safety.
Sensitivities are on high alert, even if there aren’t any scheduled protests in the borough, according to a Gateshead Council statement. As a result, the Pride celebration town centre event organised by Out North East has been rescheduled for later in the month. This came after locals and businesses expressed worries about the event’s safety that it was scheduled to take place in Trinity Square on Saturday.”
According to Coun Gannon, the council is collaborating closely with the borough’s partners and Northumbria Police to make sure that, in the event of any disturbance, there are measures in place to mitigate the damage. He declared: “It is really horrifying what violence and criminal activity have shown up in this country over the past week, especially right here in Sunderland, Teesside, and County Durham.
“To be honest, I’m amazed at how fast this violent, criminal mindset of the right side can spread. This behaviour has absolutely no justification. The sole goal these guys have is to destroy our communities and society.
“Our thoughts are with all those entangled in the violence elsewhere, and we stand united with our communities in condemning these atrocities.
“We, along with the event organisers, have regretfully decided to postpone the scheduled Pride celebrations. This was not an easy choice to make.
“To guarantee that everyone can enjoy our town centre safely this weekend, we will keep collaborating with law enforcement and our partners throughout the region.” We are here to assist any of our residents, and the council can be contacted for further information. I implore everyone to get in touch with the police if they have any worries about their safety.”
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