Pride event cancelled after banners torn down

A Pride music event in Hertfordshire has been cancelled due to safety concerns after banners have been torn down twice.

The first Loud & Proud event was due to take place at Shirley's Roadhouse in London Colney on 20 June, featuring live music from Christina Aguilera, Elton John and Britney Spears tribute acts, but organisers said banners advertising it had been removed from outside the venue.

Local Liberal Democrat councillor Liz Needham said: "I thought we were living in 2026 and had moved on from this kind of discrimination and was really hoping we could have a nice family-run event that would celebrate the LGBTQ+ community."

Hertfordshire Police has been approached for comment.

Needham, who has been a Hertfordshire county councillor in London Colney ward for five years, said she had helped out at previous Herts Pride events in Watford and had wanted to start one in the village.

Needham said that five weeks ago organisers had "put up the original banners advertising the event that were then taken down".

She added they had got more made, but "in the last couple of days those have also been taken down and we know they have been taken down because of Pride, because other banners with other events on them have been left up".

On social media, the organisers said: "After another night where people have been out getting their kicks by vandalising and stealing property only connected to the Loud & Proud event, I have sadly taken the decision to cancel the event.

"My first responsibility is to ensure the safety of the venue, performers and attendees.

"People's actions both in the real world and on social media have made me question if this is possible without incurring ridiculous [security] costs that wouldn't make the event viable."

One person has replied "it's truly heartbreaking to see the impact of hate and intolerance on something so beautiful and community-driven".

On Monday, a man was arrested after three Pride flats were torn down from an after-school club in Bristol.

Needham added that at least 100 tickets had been sold.

"I would be surprised if LGBTQ people in London Colney are not very concerned at the moment to think a festival to celebrate their existence can't happen because of attitudes," she said.

She added that since the cancellation, there had been "many supportive messages".

"We're sorry for those people that can't come, but I think it shows the majority of people are actually supportive of something like that and it's just a very small minority that want to ruin it," she said.

Herts Pride is scheduled to be held in Cassiobury Park in Watford on 22 August.

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