AN LGBT group is devastated about the impending closure of a cafe at the heart of its community.

Worcestershire Pride described Cafe Bliss, in Sansome Street, Worcester, as its ‘unofficial home’.

But the business is set to close by the end of May, after it was told to leave the Worcester Arts Workshop building.

However Cafe Bliss has now raised more than £1,200 on an online crowdfunding page to help pay for a new premises.

Dr Daniel Somerville, a committee member of Worcestershire Pride, added: “It’s a hub for the LGBT community.

“They have created a welcoming and open environment.

“It’s a problem if they don’t find a new place. There’s one gay pub in Worcester but it’s not open during the day.

“What the cafe offers is a really relaxed, friendly, non-pressurised, non-sexualised environment.”

Worcestershire Pride is holding one of its last fundraising events at the cafe on Sunday, April 8.

Andre Oldfield, chair of Worcestershire Pride, added: “Sadly this year’s Lazy Sunday events will be the last seen at the Worcester Arts Workshop as the workshop’s organisers have decided to end Cafe Bliss’ long held tenancy there.

“Cafe Bliss, well known for its Belizean cuisine, has been at heart of the LGBT+ community in Worcester for many years and organizations like Worcestershire Pride and Out2Together had found a real home there and many will be sad to see it go.

“Cafe Bliss is the birthplace of Worcestershire Pride and has acted as our unofficial home since the very beginning. They’ve been an invaluable resource for the local LGBT+ community.”

Artists including Danni G, Beth Prior, Zara Sykes and Jabba Cartel are set to perform at the Worcestershire Pride Lazy Sunday event on Sunday, April 8.

The fundraiser starts at 1pm and will cost £5 to enter.

The proceeds will help to put on another Worcestershire Pride, following the success of last year’s bonanza in Copenhagen Street car park.

To find out more about Worcestershire Pride go on worcestershirepride.org.

Visit the online donations page on https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/cafe-bliss-new-venture-new-venue-new-community