Chester Pride has urged the public against engaging with a planned protest outside Storyhouse, following its decision to host a 'Mini Pride' event.

Set to take place today (Saturday 14 February), the 'Mini Pride' event is part of the venue's Storyhouse Queer programme. 

Earlier this week, Cheshire West and Chester councillors had clashed over the venue's plans to host the event.

On 9 February, an extraordinary council meeting was held to debate a motion originally tabled by Reform councillor Mandy Clare - who had urged the authority to re-examine its funding and contractual arrangements for Storyhouse.

The event had also brought criticism from the leader of the borough's Conservative group Cllr Adrian Waddelove, who previously argued the event was "wholly inappropriate" for children.

Described on the venue's website as a family-friendly space for children aged three to seven, the event involves taking part in "fun activities", such as arts and crafts, and "inclusive storytimes" with "Curious Artists". 

Cllr Clare, who represents Winsford Dene, has been vocal on gender issues in the past and has previously been ejected from an event at Storyhouse.

She said her original motion was not to remove funding, but review it.

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During the meeting, she also revealed her plans to protest if the event were to go ahead, arguing "three-to-seven-year-old children are too young for this stuff."

In response to the protest, local charity Chester Pride has urged the public not to "engage", instead encouraging people to issue respect to those "using their right to protest".

A spokesperson said: "Our message is very simple: DON'T ENGAGE DON'T ENRAGE. To any persons attending the "Mini Pride" event at Storyhouse, we would ask you to be respectful towards anyone using their right to protest.

"Equally, we expect all attendees to also be granted the same respect and to be able to enjoy the event without harassment.

"Whilst people may not agree with the views and actions of this protest organised by Councillor Mandy Clair of Cheshire West and Chester Council she and her fellow protesters have the legal right to do so as do any counter protests however we would strongly recommend this doesn't happen as it only promotes their agenda.

"Please be respectful towards others and spread love not hate.

"Our team will be there over the weekend and are looking forward to supporting Storyhouse with what promises to be another exciting and successful event."

Annabel Turpin, chief executive of Storyhouse, has previously described the event as "a family-friendly creative event", aimed at children aged three to seven and their parents and carers, "who are present at all times".

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She added: "It is designed around themes well established in early years education - kindness, creativity, imagination, difference and belonging."

She added: "It does not involve sexual content, sexual behaviour, or adult concepts of sexuality. We remain confident that Mini Pride is appropriate, responsibly delivered, and consistent with our charitable purpose and public duties."