THIS summer's Swindon and Wiltshire Pride celebration has been cancelled.

For the past 12 years, Pride celebrations have taken place in Town Gardens and Old Town and have been a celebration of diversity and inclusion for thousands of people.

But several key members of the organising committee retired last year and are yet to be replaced, forcing the cancellation of the event - due to take place on August 13.

"I am gutted that we've had to cancel the event, we had the Town Gardens booked, the accounts are looking healthy and we had sponsors ready to support the event," said community engagement and inclusion manager Phoenix Stewart.

"All we needed was to fill the committee positions but we have had little interest at Swindon and Wiltshire Pride."

But Phoenix insisted this was not the end for the LGBTQIA+ festival.

He added: "We are looking for passionate people to step up and come forward to help us bring back Pride for 2023.

"I think many people will be upset that they won't be able to attend Pride, for some it's an opportunity to raise awareness, meet like-minded people and to be themselves.

"Pride is a place to be yourself without judgement."

Vice-chair of Swindon and Wiltshire Pride Sarah Mason said: "This decision was not arrived at lightly and we appreciate the disappointment not only from the LGBTQIA+ community but by the many Swindon residents who have come year on year to support us."

The money which has already been raised will go to a "potentially a smaller event" later this year as well as towards next year's Pride.

"It is vital to the LGBTQIA+ community to bring everyone together to raise the funds to keep Pride as a free event for all to celebrate and support each other," a Swindon and Wiltshire Pride spokesperson said.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said that he was disappointed to hear the news and said he hopes that it'll be back for next year.

"I went to Pride last year with my family and there was a huge amount of stalls and activities to do," said Mr Tomlinson.

"I very much hope that this is a temporary setback as it provides a huge celebration for the whole town."

South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland added: "I hope that this important part of our annual Swindon calendar will return soon."

Swindon and Wiltshire Pride are hoping to host a smaller indoor event on August 13 instead.