A fundraising event supporting a Pride weekend has been cancelled with organisers blaming the decision on homophobic abuse and threats.
Children’s entertainment centre Kidz Planet in Folkestone was to host the special afternoon on July 22.
But after it was announced on its Facebook page, those behind the fundraiser say a torrent of hate messages were sent in.
The children’s indoor centre in Caesar’s Way today (Friday) announced the event was cancelled after the obscenities and threats to staff.
A spokesperson for the business told KentOnlne: “The comments were absolutely disgusting.
“There were homophobic remarks and threats that if the event went ahead there would be consequences.
“I think there were a lot of trolls.
“All at Kidz Planet have been upset that people can be so narrow-minded.
“This was a ticketed event on a Monday, a day we are usually closed, so people had a choice whether to come or not.
“However, we have also had a lot of messages of support from people.”
The hate messages came in the form of phone calls, direct comments to the original Facebook post and comments via Facebook Messenger.
Nikky Lyle, co-director of Folkestone Pride, said: “It is absolutely appalling. This was meant to be a family event with activities such as drag stories and face painting.
“A few people had an issue with it and the management had to think of staff’s safety. “
Ms Lyle stressed that the Pride event itself, on the last weekend of July, would carry on as normal.
Kidz Planet announced the cancellation of its fundraiser on its Facebook page today.
The statement said: “We have received physical threats/abuse if we proceed with this event on that day, which is currently part of a police investigation.
“Our first priority will always be the safety of our staff, customers and local community.
“Those that have already purchased tickets will be refunded within the next three days.
“The positive response far outweighs the negative for this event.
“We will continue to support the local community by making a monetary contribution to support the Folkestone Pride Team.”
Yesterday, the company posted: “We are deeply saddened that we have had to remove our previous post about our upcoming Pride event raising money for Folkestone Pride whilst also being a fun afternoon for the children.
“We have removed the post due to the hugely negative, discriminatory and rude comments from some of the people within our Folkestone community and beyond.
“We hope that the majority of our followers understand the importance of promoting diversity at a ticketed event on a day that Kidz Planet is usually closed – therefore giving people the choice as to whether this matches their morals and whether they would like to attend.”
Kidz Planet opened 21 years ago, on July 14.
Folkestone Pride is an LGBTQIA+ led community organisation that arranges the annual town-wide Pride Festival and many other events throughout the year.
This year’s main event, with a parade and picnic, is on The Leas, Folkestone, on Saturday, July 27.
There will also be a variety of performers, and an after-party at the Quarterhouse in Tontine Street.
KentOnline contacted police for a statement.
