NORTHWICH'S first full-scale Pride event set for next month has been cancelled - but the future remains bright for the town's LGBTQ+ community.

Earlier this year, the Northwich Pride committee announced a festival would be held at The Plaza on November 2.

Now, after running into organisational challenges, the committee has made the decision not to go ahead with the original planned event.

But a number of smaller Pride events will still be taking place this year, with the committee looking to organise more in 2025 and beyond.

A Northwich Pride committee spokesperson said: "Northwich Pride is committed to its mission of creating an inclusive, supportive space for the LGBTQ+ community.

"As a new group of volunteers there have been some challenges in getting everyone together to create a large-scale, impactful and focussed event.

"As such the group have taken the decision to slow down planning to ensure support is secured and all plans work towards the development of sustainable Pride activity for Northwich in the longer term.

"While this means the original planned daytime/nighttime event at The Plaza will not go ahead in November we’re delighted there are still a number of confirmed activities.

"Activity in 2025 will then focus on a series of ‘Northwich Pride Presents’ ticketed events that will support the longer-term vision for Pride in our community, aimed at fundraising and creating a sense of belonging. More news will follow as plans are now worked up.

"The team are currently working to establish a community interest organisation in order to support all activity, setting up a GoFundMe page in the interim.

"While delivering a large-scale event this year hasn’t been possible, the team is excited about what the future holds and the opportunity to deliver meaningful, sustainable Pride events going forward."

Pride events still taking place in Northwich this year include: 

  • 'Cheshire Pride: Telling Our Stories' Exhibition at Weaver Hall (October 11 to 26): This exhibition will celebrate the diverse voices of the LGBTQ+ community in Cheshire, highlighting stories and experiences through the lens of pride and inclusion.
  • Community Quilt Workshops (October): Two of the four planned workshops have already taken place, providing a creative space for people to contribute to a community art project. Details for booking on to one of the two remaining workshops can be found on the Northwich Pride Facebook page.
  • Northwich Pride Presents 'Cake, Craft and Conversation' at the Northwich Methodist Outreach Centre (Saturday, November 2, from 2pm to 5pm): This family-friendly event will combine socialising (cake), creative activities (craft), and open discussions (conversation) all focussed on supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Northwich. Vendors, information stands, and live music will also be part of this free event.

Anyone wanting to find out more or get involved should contact the organisers via the dedicated Facebook page initially.