The organisors of World Pride have issued an apology for the
'confusion and chaos' which has arisen in the run up to event in
London on Saturday. In a press release that addresses a number of
the changes to the original planned grand parade, Uwern Jong
states:
"Pride London deeply regrets the situation and we offer our
sincerest apologies to the community, our sponsors and partners for
the position we have found ourselves in. We understand the
confusion and chaos that this must have caused for many people. We
understand that the changes are last minute and people from all
over the country and world will be affected by this in their plans
to be part of the event. We share in your frustrations, but we hope
that the community will understand the facts and the reasons why we
have had to move to this position."
Referring to the ban on motorised vehicles, the statement
continues: "We are fully aware that the elderly and less-able,
important members of our community, could not make the procession
without vehicles. We are also fully aware that our sponsors and
community groups have created beautiful and meaningful floats,
costing them money. We are also concerned about the safety of our
community in Soho."
DIVA has asked the organisors whether those who have spent money
on floats will have their expenses refunded, but as yet Pride
London has not come back with an answer.
Yesterday Gaydar's CEO Trevor Martin issued a statement
commenting: "Having learned last week that the organisers of World
Pride were encountering financial difficulties which would
significantly impact this year's proceedings, QSoft Consulting,
parent company of Gaydar.co.uk, immediately made the decision to
offer considerable financial support to help rescue the
event.
"Following a number of conversations with the GLA, Pride London
Board members both past and present, Westminster Council and local
MP Jonathan Glanz we have sadly been informed that the licensing
required to stage the event cannot be reinstated at this late stage
and have been forced, therefore, to conclude that the World Pride
event is beyond salvaging, regardless of cash investment. I
sincerely hope this situation can be avoided in future and that
London can enjoy the Pride event it deserves in 2013 and
beyond."
Meanwhile as the controversy raged on forums and FB walls,
with Ku and Candy Bar owner Gary Henshaw calling for resignation of
the Pride London committee, Pride London attended its final
all-agencies meeting yesterday. Responding to the rumours that this
meeting was an 'emergency meeting' to discuss the rescue of Pride,
DIVA understands this meeting "was scheduled with the intent for
Pride London to present its final operational plans in line with
the proposed changes and for all agencies to sign-off," Jong
said.
Organisors are now asking those intending to march to assemble at
10am at Portman Square from where the procession will leave at
11am. The procession will end at Trafalgar Square where there will
be speakers and performers until 6pm. Although motorised vehicles
are banned, shopping trolleys are now permitted.
To create a safe and incident-free event for revelers in Soho,
Westminster Council has said it will close key roads and uphold
parking suspensions in the area. Because Pride London couldn't
provide the assurances required to pay the council for these
closures, the application did not progress. As a result, since
Pride London could not guarantee a safe and secure event for the
community in Soho they have been forced to cancel all official
Pride London events for this reason.
"The partying will no doubt still carry on and bars and clubs
extremely busy. However, normal licensing rules apply. We urge that
revelers enjoying post-Pride in Soho keep their wits about them and
stay safe. Whilst the streets of Soho will not officially be
closed, the Metropolitan Police will ensure the safety of all in
the area and close roads where appropriate, " Jong told DIVA.
