Queen City Pride festival adding extra security for weeklong events

An upcoming pride festival in Regina is already planning extra security measures following a mass shooting in Orlando, Fla.

The Queen City Pride festival runs from June 20 to 26 in Regina.

On Monday afternoon, the Regina Pride Inc. board of directors published a message on its Facebook page saying it will be taking extra precautions to ensure safety.

• 'Stay strong' after Orlando, Regina pride festival organizer says
• Queen City Pride put on candlelight vigil for Orlando
• Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison condemns Orlando shooting attack

"The safety, well being, and comfort of everyone at the upcoming Queen City Pride festival is first and foremost," the post said. "We understand the fear present due to the recent tragedy in Orlando."

According to the post, festival organizers had already planned to have "volunteer security, hired professional security, and Regina Police presence".

Now, it will increase the number of people hired for security. Organizers have also requested more police for the annual Pride Parade — which will be held on Saturday, June 25.

• Sask. LGBT leaders embrace #myfirstgaybar hashtag
• ​'Only love can drive away hate': Sask. LGBT communities remember Orlando victims
• Queen City Pride parade brightens up Regina's downtown

There will also be additional security for the festival OUT in Victoria Park event on the same day.

Pride After Dark, an after-party event being held on June 25 at the German Club, will also have a full professional security team. Organizers are asking people to cooperate and be mindful of purse and bag checks before entering the event.

"Thank you again for all the support and love that the Queen City Pride festival has been shown by the LGBTQ community, and our allies," the Facebook post said.

This year will mark the 27th anniversary of Regina's Pride celebration.

Find more on the Queen City Pride festival on their website here, or on their Facebook page here.