Surrey Pride has been postponed until 2027, organisers have announced.<\/p>\n
Pride in Surrey said rising costs and a decline in pledged corporate sponsorship had made it “impossible to proceed” with the event.<\/p>\n
The parade and festival in Guildford were due to take place on 8 August.<\/p>\n
Organisers said in a statement posted on Facebook they were making the announcement with “great sadness”.<\/p>\n
“This year, many Pride events across the country have faced similar cancellations,” they wrote.<\/p>\n
“We sincerely appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.”<\/p>\n
It comes after Surrey County Council withdrew its official support for the 2025 event<\/a>, meaning its staff and services did not officially attend.<\/p>\n The local authority said at the time Pride in Surrey was not “truly representative” of the whole LGBTQ+ community following “concerns” that had been raised.<\/p>\n Stephen Ireland<\/a>, the former founder of the county event, was jailed for raping a 12-year-old boy in June 2025.<\/p>\n The BBC understands this was a factor in the authority’s decision, although it had not actively sponsored Pride since 2021.<\/p>\n Organisers added they had explored additional funding options and different dates for 2026, however this was “not feasible”.<\/p>\n They said that all tickets had been refunded.<\/p>\n Surrey Pride said its next LGBTQ+ festival was set to take place on 11 September 2027 in Guildford’s Stoke Park.<\/p>\n “Preparations for that event will begin very soon,” said organisers.<\/p>\n Pride in Surrey’s website was down as of Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a> and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk <\/a>or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n More on this story