THURROCK's third annual celebration of the diversity in the borough community is just a week away and organisers are predicting a memorable day - even though recent events by new political leaders across Essex have caused some concern about levels of tolerance.

A number of local authorities taken over by Reform UK, including Thurrock Council, have banned the flying of Pride flags from civic buildings, something that had become a regular event outside Thurrock's Civic Offices.

And the display of some literature and information about LGBTQIA+ have been removed from public buildings, including libraries, in parts of the wider region. Some material has been taken down at the Thameside complex in Grays, though local Pride supporters acknowledge it was among other material removed because it was out of date, old or shabby. In one case a pop-up display about LGBTQIA+ was removed on the grounds it caused a physical safety hazard, said a senior council officer. who told Thurrock Nub News there had been no instruction to carry out a purge of LGBTQIA+-related material.

Those LGBTQIA+ members (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual - with the plus representing other identities) say they have some concerns about political phobia against them, but no problems have been identified in Thurrock to date.

Thurrock Pride 2026 takes place at the Thameside complex on Saturday, 13 June and will be the third such event in the borough, with organisers saying it is going 'from strength to strength'.

A spokesperson locally said: "Thurrock Pride '26 will be our third Pride event in Thurrock. Thurrock Pride is a totally free, family friendly event for the whole community celebrating diversity, inclusion and equality.

"Thurrock Pride '26 begins with our Pre-Pride Brunch at 11am, followed by our Pride Parade at 12.15pm to the Thameside Complex for the Official Welcome and Main Stage entertainment, Marketplace Stalls & Street Food, Panel Discussions at 2pm and 3pm. The Pride After Party is being held at The Wharf Pub, Grays from 7.30pm with Dancing, Cabaret & DJ.

"We have a fabulous Main Stage line up with Jake Hunter as our Host, K-Pop Golden, Beccy Lane as Sabrina Carpenter, local artist Tommy Raven, Sirena Hart, Bollyqueer, DDFK OOmpah Band and Headliners Gracie Lou and Allan Jay. The Main Stage runs from 12.30pm to 6pm.

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"We have also been very lucky to gain some amazing sponsors for this year's event, including c2c, Viridor Thameside, Core, Trunk Logistics, National Lottery Community Fund, Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions, H.W.Wilson & Blatella Films.

"We are eternally grateful to our sponsors as their support helps us keep Thurrock Pride the Free for the whole community. "

A spokesperson for Thurrock Council declined to comment on the removal of literature and information or detail any change in council policy, saying: "The Thurrock Pride event is organised by the Thurrock LGBTQ+ Network. In previous years, the council has allowed use of the Thameside Complex as the venue for performances, discussions and activities and as a central focus for the event. That will continue this year, and the event is scheduled to take place on Saturday 13 June, once again centred around the Thameside Complex in Grays."