Cheryl pulls out of Birmingham Pride due to grief over death of Sarah Harding

Words: Alastair James; pictures: Instagram/@cherylofficial

Cheryl has pulled out of Birmingham Pride saying she is grieving over the death of her former Girls Aloud bandmate, Sarah Harding.

Harding passed away after struggling with breast cancer earlier this month (5 September). Cheryl was due to headline the event, which is taking place over the weekend (25 and 26 September)

The star posted on Instagram that she was sorry and would make it up to fans.

“My heart is heavy”

The ‘Fight For This Love’ singer said: “Saying goodbye to somebody you spent such a massive piece of your life with is like nothing else.

“My heart is heavy. Grief is such a harsh experience and an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. Questions without answers and pain without resolve. So tumultuous and constant.

She continued: “With that said I am so sorry but I really am not emotionally, mentally or physically able to perform for you this Saturday at Birmingham Pride.

“I apologise wholeheartedly and I can only hope for your understanding (I promise I will make it up to you somehow). I feel now I just need some time to sit with my feelings and process the grief.

“Nothing prepares you for this bit.”

Cheryl was also due to headline Birmingham Pride in 2020 but had to cancel due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Birmingham Pride confirmed the news of the 2021 cancellation.

In a statement posted on Twitter, they said the decision “has not been taken lightly,” and that they fully understand Cheryl’s reasons for cancelling. Cheryl’s fee has also been donated to cancer charities that support LGBTQ people.

A message from @CherylOfficial pic.twitter.com/seTsyG6OgE

— Birmingham Pride (@BirminghamPride) September 24, 2021

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