MELKSHAM’S Pride event, which was due to take place on 29th June, will not go ahead this year, as organisers say the event has been cancelled.
Proud Melksham, a group that provides help, advice, resources and friendship to Melksham’s LGBT+ community, held its second annual pride event last year at the Melksham Assembly Hall.
At the event, local businesses held stalls with crafts and goodies, as well as local support services and charities. There were also performances from local drag queens that entertained the crowds with a medley of music hits and an afterparty in the evening.
Melksham Pride founder and trustee Ryan Clarke said, “Yes we made the decision to cancel this year’s event. It’s incredibly disappointing. Our last two years’ events have grown bigger and better, and unfortunately we didn’t feel like the event was going to meet that standard.
“We had many local people and businesses sign up for stalls, however many pulled out as time grew closer, or simply didn’t reconnect with us.
“We had plans for a larger outdoor event this year, which also seems to have deterred some of those getting involved, as we of course cannot predict the what the weather will do. So rather than put on a lacklustre event, we felt it better to regroup and look towards the future.
“We are regrouping and will look towards what we can do in the future, whether that’s holding a smaller event later in the year, or putting all our efforts into a 2025 Pride Festival.
“Locally our friends at Trowbridge Pride are hosting their first large event in June, as well as neighbouring events in Chippenham, Calne and Swindon Pride.
