READING Pride has officially been cancelled today due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Organisers announced the news in a statement on their Facebook page on June 16, noting the scale and popularity of the event - due to take place in September - as a risk factor.

READ MORE: Heavy rain results in Reading flash floods as Met Office issue warning

The statement reads: "The chair and trustees of Reading Pride have taken the decision not to proceed with the Love Unites festival hosted by Reading Pride, in its normal form in Kings Meadow, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 5 2020.

"The safety of our attendees and volunteers is our primary concern.

"Running a large festival and implementing social distancing measures in an open space was not considered safe nor feasible.

"Discussions are ongoing to assess the feasibility for different types of events to take place this year, and based on the outcome of these assessments, further information will be shared in due course.

READ MORE: Many 'still too concerned' to use Reading shops

"We understand that this will be disappointing to many people, but we ask for your understanding in the current circumstances and hope that everyone is looking after themselves and staying safe."

The event is the latest in a series of annual town celebrations to have to be cancelled in the wake of the pandemic, joining Reading Festival, The Berkshire County Show in Newbury, The Oracle's large events programme and more.