by NICK DUFFY

Pride festivals across Europe are facing the prospect of cancellation due to the threats posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Pride season, due to kick off in June, is likely to be impacted if measures are put in place to restrict large public gatherings amid the outbreak – which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation on Wednesday.

Organisers of Pride events across the continent joined an online meeting on Monday to discuss contingency plans for the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus disruption to Pride festivals is now ‘inevitable’.

Kristine Garina, president of the European Pride Organisers Association, said that it is “inevitable” that events will face “cancellation, curtailment or postponement”.

She said: “Coronavirus is presenting a new challenge for all governments and organisations, and Prides are no different.

“The unique challenge for Prides is that most are entirely volunteer organisations, where people have to juggle this additional complexity alongside a career or being a full-time carer. We’re doing all we can to help Pride organisers navigate through this challenge.” Read more via Pink News