Portsmouth Pride cancelled as strong winds are expected to batter the coastline and cause more disruption
The event will return to the city next year
Portsmouth Pride has been cancelled after a yellow weather warning was issued by the Met Office.
A parade was due to take place this morning (June 6) starting at 11.30am before the main event on Southsea Common all afternoon and evening. But organisers have said that they are now cancelling it on safety grounds.
In a statement organisers said: “Due to gale wind conditions and heavy rain, Portsmouth Pride has been cancelled today. This includes the parade.
“The site is unsuitable, so please do not come to Southsea Common. Further information will be shared with everyone affected in the next week.
“Portsmouth Pride will return on Saturday 12 June 2027, on Castle Field.
“While the main day event being cancelled is a massive blow to our suppliers, traders, performers, volunteers, trustees, partners, and the community that we all support, safety is our utmost priority. Pride is more than just one day, and now is our opportunity to show that even more strongly.
“Portsmouth Pride’s Main Day Event will be back in 2027, and our team will regroup to make that event amazing, and also to continue their incredible programme of year-round events and projects for the whole community. Those directly impacted by the cancellation will be contacted.”
Some indoor independent events organised to coincide with Pride will go ahead as planned, as well as the indoor Pride events at HB.
The weather warning from The Met Office is in place until 7pm today following wet and windy conditions overnight, with a second spell of strong southwest to westerly winds is expected to arrive on the south west coast of England this morning.
These will steadily move eastwards across Cornwall, English Channel coastal districts, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, reaching Sussex by mid-afternoon. Winds will then begin to ease from the west.
The Met Office said ome disruption to weekend activities and events is possible, alongside a risk of power outages and some low level travel disruption.
- It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves
- Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are possible
- Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely
- Some short term loss of power and other services is possible
- Some damage to temporary structures is possible