Worcestershire Pride festival 2021 has been cancelled.

The festival’s organisers have announced this year’s event, scheduled for September 18, will not be able to go ahead as planned following funding cuts caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The event was preparing to return for its fourth year following a successful festival in 2019.

Chairman of the committee, Mathew Skilbeck, said: “We are absolutely heartbroken to say that we will have to postpone Worcestershire Pride until 2022.

“The event has a huge impact on lots of people’s lives including Pride goers, our acts and businesses that we feature, so it’s not a decision that we’re taking lightly.

“Our team has been working incredibly hard to see if we can make the event work, but sadly, as a not-for-profit event, a lack of funding means we can’t hold the event this year. We’ll be back bigger and better in 2022!”

The Pride team will instead be hosting a party on the scheduled date at The Flag, Lowesmoor, to make sure people don’t miss out completely.

The Pride Party will take place from 9pm to 4am, with a £4 entry fee, and everyone is welcome.

The LGBT+ Pride Festival is scheduled to return in 2022.