Pride festival banner destroyed for third time

The third banner was found destroyed on Wednesday

An LGBTQ+ charity's banner advertising their upcoming pride festival has been destroyed for the third time.

Pride in Luton co-chairs Rosie Besnu and Jess Bryce said in a statement it has made them "more defiant and determined than ever" ahead of Saturdays event in the town.

The banner had been on display on railings near the roundabout where Stockingstone Road meets New Bedford Road.

Trustee Scott Griffwood said: "It's frustrating because it means we've had to use more charity funding on that than support services that can save people's lives. It's diverting funding away.

"There may be people who are not out who see this and feel not part of the community. They might have concerns or worries, but our message is clear: Be loud, be proud, and be unapologetically you."

Sgt Billy Boyd with Scott Griffwood who praised the police for their assistance

The charity said the first banner was destroyed 48 hours after it first went on display on 25 June.

The replacement was put up that afternoon but was found ripped up the following morning.

The most recent banner was pulled down within a week.

Pride in Luton said charity funds have had to be used to replace the banners

Mr Eastwood praised Bedfordshire Police for their support and assured people planning to attend Saturday's event it will be a safe and inclusive event.

He said: "It's made us as a community more defiant, more determined, to make sure the event is safe successful, louder bigger and more fabulous than it was ever planned

"We're not going to let people win or try and intimidate us

The love we received from all walks off life has been brilliant. People are getting the message this isn't right and isn't on."