A DATE has been set for next year’s Pride event after fears it may not go ahead again.

Colchester Has Pride announced earlier this year their committee had stepped down due to a lack of support and a number of offensive comments.

There was a fear the event may not go ahead again in Colchester, however, a new committee has since been formed and a new date has been set for June 29.

The committee posted on Facebook, saying: “We’re happy to finally announce the date, which is almost 50 years to the day of the Stonewall Riots, spearheaded by famous names from LGBTQIA+ history such as Stormé DeLarverie and Marsha P. Johnson as well as the birth of the Gay Liberation Front. The 2019 event will be held again at Firstsite.”

A public meeting was held at the town hall, chaired by council leader Mark Cory, who is keen for the town to support LGBT+ diversity and equality events.

Peter Greening, co-chair of the committee, said: “We have got a rather large committee this year, there are 11 of us and there will soon be 13.

“We are all working to our strengths and have each been designated roles.

“We will have a new website and facebook page soon.

“There were 30 people who came to the public meeting at the Town Hall, which Mark Cory and deputy leader Tim Young attended.

“They have been really supportive.”