NASHUA – Celebrations of acceptance and diversity will go digital for this year’s Virtual Pride event.

Colorful parades have celebrated pride month in previous years, but given the current circumstances with the coronavirus pandemic, the decision was made to host the event virtually. People will be able to tune into the event between 2-4 p.m. on June 27.

Highlights of this year’s Virtual Pride include live music, a drag show and speakers.

“What I want to communicate is that in Nashua everyone belongs, that every person is created equal, that we respect the rights and the humanity of everyone, and this is one of our deepest beliefs that we act on every day,” Mayor Jim Donchess said. 

The event is now in its third year and is organized by the Mayor’s Office, Nashua’s Pride Committee and Great American Downtown. Donchess said there are also many supporting organizations, citing Bank of America being this year’s Main Stage Sponsor and numerous other sponsors. 

It is free to join in during this celebration and details on the entertainment lineup and how to watch or live stream the event will be made available as the event date nears closer. Also, portions of this year’s event will be pre-recorded. 

“We just thought that this year, given COVID-19, we didn’t want to bring a lot of people together because last year we had several thousand people,” Donchess said. 

The mayor added that the city is optimistic to go back to having the parade next year. 

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.