Blackpool Pride festival CANCELLED due to coronavirus outbreak

Due to the escalating coronavirus pandemic and new Government advice over large-scale gatherings, Visit Blackpool has announced that this year’s festival, which was arranged for the weekend starting June 5, will no longer go ahead.

The news comes just one week after the final line-up for the three-day extravaganza, on the Blackpool Tower Headland, was announced.

Soft Cell’s Marc Almond, Right Said Fred, and Scissor Sisters lead singer Jake Shears were pinned as headline acts.

The X Factor’s Lucy Spraggan and 1990s pop star Lolly, who sang Viva La Radio’, were also due to appear, along with a huge line-up of drag queens, singers, dancers, radio presenters and more.

A festival spokesperson said: “It is hugely disappointing to have to cancel the event, particularly as there was a fantastic line-up of international talent for this year’s festival.

“Over the past few days, it has become increasingly apparent that in times of such unprecedented uncertainty, cancellation was our only viable option for this year. We are already looking at possible dates for a return of Pride Blackpool in 2021.

“We apologise to those who have already bought tickets. Full refunds will be made.”

All Pride Blackpool tickets holders are expected to receive automatic refunds over the next seven to 10 days. Refunds will include the ticket price plus booking fee.