Hundreds expected to attend Hastings Pride Queer on the Pier event

But it will be celebrated by a number of events which have seen the local community coming together to support.

Most prominent is Queer on the Pier, which takes place on Saturday September 19, from 2pm - 10pm and claims to be the largest outdoor festival, of its type this year with an 800 socially distanced capacity and eight hours of Cabaret performance and music.

It is being hosted by The Fountain on Queens bar, Hastings Pride and The Pier and includes a take-over from the famous Glory venue in East London. Visit the Fountain on Queens Facebook page for ticket details.

Local businesses have also come together to support Pride.

The Crown is All Saints Street hosted an exhibition of more than 40 artists celebrating 50 years of Pride.

James Thomas, from Hastings pride, said: “The exhibition was about promoting positivity through change, celebration in diversity and love and a out a the message of inclusion and support.”

Tommy’s Pizza, in St Leonards, created the Hastings Pride Pizza, with a vegan option, donating £2 from each one sold to Hastings Pride, You can enjoy it until the end of September.

Local drinks manufacturer Rumbustian has created a special limited edition spiced rum for Pride, with £10 of each bottle sold going to Pride.

Only Cocco Chocolate has created a popping candy chocolate bar in support of Hastings Pride, donating £1 from every bar sold.

Natasha Scott, of Hastings Pride, said: “Our aim this year was to take Hastings Pride out to the local community, and we were working with some amazing people to help us achieve our goal.

“Sadly, as with everything that’s been happening this year, things changed very quickly and funding we thought we had secured would not be available in time for us to realise our exciting plan for ‘Pride on the Road’.

“We felt it was particularly important for us to try and do something because we are very aware of the harm that social isolation causes.

“Hastings Pride was founded on an ideology that by bringing people together we can break down the walls of ignorance we looked at so many ways that we could bring our community together to celebrate Pride in some way.

“This is why we are so thrilled to see so many people and businesses doing everything they can to keep the spirit of Hastings Pride alive this year and why everyone at Hastings Pride would like to give our deepest thanks for every penny you raise and every life you touch through your generosity and fundraising activities.”