 Thousands of people travelling to and from Brighton Pride are set to face major disruption after rail services were cancelled. Trains in and out of the city will not be running on Saturday, August 5 – the main day of the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ event. Paul Kemp, the managing director of Pride, said the decision was 'truly devastating news for everyone'. He said: 'Many Pride visitors have already booked and paid for Saturday night accommodation locally. 'They will now have to change plans or find an alternative way to get into the city.' Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) said it was with a 'heavy heart' that Brighton services will not be running for Pride because of an overtime ban, which means they cannot provide extra trains. But Aslef, the train drivers' union behind the week-long overtime ban for its members, says that GTR only has itself to blame for not employing enough drivers. Pride's managing director said the level of disruption it will cause is 'truly devastating' (Picture: Getty Images) GTR said in a statement: 'This has been an extremely difficult decision to make due to the major impact it will have on everyone planning to attend Pride, which GTR has proudly supported for many years. 'Unfortunately, between 31 July and 5 August, train operators have been notified of an overtime ban by the Aslef union. In this period, GTR will be running an amended timetable with far fewer services than usual. 'As a result, there will be significantly less capacity than is required for people to travel safely on the busiest day of Pride – Saturday 5 August. Friday 4 and Sunday 6 August will have services. 'Every year, GTR runs a significantly enhanced service for Pride with additional late-night trains on Saturday evening. 'These enhancements are needed to safely transport the huge number of people that travel into Brighton during Pride's busiest day but also home again after the popular Saturday commu){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Thousands of people travelling to and from Brighton Pride are set to face major disruption after rail services were cancelled.
Trains in and out of the city will not be running on Saturday, August 5 – the main day of the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ event.
Paul Kemp, the managing director of Pride, said the decision was ‘truly devastating news for everyone’.
He said: ‘Many Pride visitors have already booked and paid for Saturday night accommodation locally.