San Diego Pride announced today that for the first time, the annual festival will feature metal detectors at the entrances. The festival will have more entry lanes to avoid long lines.

As always, there will also be a significant law enforcement presence, the San Diego Police Department’s mobile command unit will be stationed in front, and undisclosed additional precautions will be taken.

“We want everyone to feel safe while they’re having fun at this year’s festival,” said Stephen Whitburn, San Diego Pride’s executive director. “We encourage people to come out and celebrate Pride with confidence.”

The additional security precautions are intended to address safety concerns felt by some community members in the wake of the tragedy in Orlando. While security precautions are taken every year, and San Diego Pride is confident in those measures, the addition of metal detectors is intended to provide further reassurance to attendees.

The attack at Pulse nightclub has weighed heavily on the LGBT community. It has also demonstrated the community’s strength, resolve, and compassion. In its wake, San Diego Pride is preparing for the biggest, most meaningful Pride the city has ever seen.

“Our community is no stranger to adversity, and we will not be silenced,” Whitburn said. “Our movement is far from over, and we have no doubt that our community will come out to Pride as never before to mourn our losses, acknowledge our accomplishments, recommit to the work ahead, and celebrate our diverse community with love and Pride.”

The festival will be held Saturday, July 16 from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm and Sunday, July 17 from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm at Balboa Park’s Marston Point. sdpride.org