Torbay Pride final day events cancelled due to wet weather
Organisers of the Torbay Pride event taking place this weekend have issued an apology after bad weather led to the remainder of the outdoor event being cancelled. In a post to Facebook on the evening of Saturday, September 7, organisers said: "Apologies due to the weather we are closing now. And will not be open tomorrow."
Just an hour before, a post from those in charge of the event asked festivalgoers what their highlight had been so far, adding: "Sorry, we know it's not the rain, but we can't control that." The Pride celebration was being held at Torre Abbey Meadows in Torquay, for a free family event.
Organisers later said the planned after party at The Hideaway nightclub would still be going ahead on Saturday night - and that there may have more news to come on an indoor venue for further events on Sunday soon.
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Despite the rain, many eventgoers shared photos of themselves enjoying the celebrations and entertainment Torbay Pride had on offer earlier on in the day, to social media. And more had been planning to attend for the evening's entertainment, only to discover its cancellation.
Taking to the comments section below the cancellation post from organisers, locals and fans were quick to share their sadness and disappointment at the early end of the event. One said: "Typical English weather... All that hard work you guys put into this event... Please don't let it put you off! Come back bigger and better next year!"
Another commented: "Knowing some of the team personally my heart breaks for them as I know how much work has gone into this all year... But reading everyone's comments shows that everything that has been achieved by such a dedicated hardworking team has been fully appreciated. Well done Chris and the gang - you're all an inspiration for bringing us together and no amount of rain can dampen that."
A third added: "Thank you so much for hosting an amazing, inclusive event!" Meanwhile, Riviera Markets suggested the possibility of Pride being its chosen charity at its indoor market on Sunday. Its account said: "Can you please give us a message regarding possibly collecting a donation pot?
"We'd love to have you as our chosen charity to donate to at our indoor market tomorrow. We were there today and it was an amazing event, we are heartbroken for you."