THEGAYUK

Tag: Pride

The latest news from LGBT/ gay prides around the UK.

  • What time and where is Exeter Pride 2018?

    Exeter will become an explosion of colour and celebration this weekend for the city’s 10th annual pride.

    Everything You Need To Know About Exeter Pride 2018

    Exeter’s pride is celebrating its 10th year in 2018 and here’s everything you need to know about the pride event which will take place on the 12th May 2018.

    The Pride’s chair, Adam Rank said,”There will be a real celebration feel this year, being our 10th anniversary, it is the perfect time to consider how far we have come since Exeter Pride began.

    “We work closely with a range of partners to stage the event, including Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, the University of Exeter, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, and local businesses.

    “It would not be possible without generous donations or sponsorship from local and national businesses, organisations and individuals and the fundraising efforts and assistance of many volunteers. We are currently welcoming approaches from those who would like to get involved as volunteers, have a stall or be a partner or sponsor. In addition, we are running our usual wristband scheme which offers year-long discounts at restaurants/shops etc, which makes them very desirable.”

    This year the pride is Celebration.

    Photo Credit – Paul Szabo

    What time does Exeter Pride begin?

    Exeter Pride officially opens with a parade from the St Sidwell Centre which will move down Exeter High Street to Northernhay Gardens. The highlight will be a 50-metre rainbow flag carried by volunteers from Exeter Pride. The time is yet to be announced.

    Is there a parade?

    This year’s parade will involve thousands of people including: roller skaters, Street Heat samba band, a fire engine, an ambulance, Morris dancers, police officers, representatives from community groups and organisations, and volunteers carrying an incredible 50-metre rainbow flag.

    Where is Exeter Pride?

    Exeter Pride takes place in Northernhay Gardens, but there is also a parade to watch. It will run from the St Sidwell Centre which will move down Exeter High Street to Northernhay Gardens.

    What does Exeter Pride cost?

    Exeter Pride is a FREE event for all of the community to enjoy, however, you can buy a wristband (£10) which helps support the pride – and you can get discounts at a variety of business across the city until 2019.

    What entertainment will there be at Exeter Pride?

    There is plenty to do at Exeter Pride in 2018. The organisers have created an event with the local community at heart. There will be a showcase stage, where local and emerging artists will perform from 2:30 PM to 9:00PM – and in the Festival zone there are performers such as X Factor’s Freddy Parker and Lauren Harries.

    If music isn’t your thing there are drumming workshops, a talk zone and a film festival. To find out more about what’s happening on the day visit the Exeter Pride website.

    Does Exeter Pride have a website?

    Absolutely. You can view all thing Exeter Pride HERE and buy your wristbands to support the pride.

    What should I bring to pride?

    We’ve created a list of Pride survival ideas. Take a look – but don’t forget to bring sunscreen, money and fully charged phone!

  • Everything You Need To Know About York Pride 2018

    If you’re planning to go to York pride here’s everything you need to know before the 2018 event.

    Everything You Need To Know About York Pride 2018
    This year’s York Pride takes place on the on Saturday 9th June and to celebrate the diversity of the LGBT+ community the theme for 2018 is Flag it Up.
    Speaking about the theme, Greg Stephenson York Pride’s chair said, “We decided on Flag it Up as our theme as it addresses several areas that are important to York Pride. It can mean showing support for the LGBT+ community by visually demonstrating your solidarity. Businesses, charities, and other organisations across the city fly the Pride flag every year, and we wanted to thank people for doing so as well as give the opportunity for those who haven’t so far to get involved. It also allows us to encourage people to challenge inappropriate behaviour. The last year has seen more and more cases of LGBT-phobia being revealed through the media and the increase in public discourse on the subject, and our theme enables us to support people in showing solidarity by ‘flagging up’ any discrimination they witness. We work closely with the public services in York and we wanted to make sure that people are aware that there are various forms of support that they can access should they need it.”

    What time does York Pride begin?

    The York Pride parade officially begins at 11:30 AM, after the parade, the pride continues at the Knavesmire and will continue into the evening with live entertainment.

    Is there a parade?

    York has a parade every year, and is free for the public to participate in.
    It starts at York Minster/Duncombe Place (YO1 7HH) and makes its way through the city centre and ends at the Knavesmire (YO24 1EN) where the main event takes place.
    It is recommended that public participants in the Parade begin gathering from 10:45-11:00, with the Parade set the depart at approximately 11:30am.

    Where is York Pride?

    It starts at York Minster/Duncombe Place (YO1 7HH) and makes its way through the city centre and ends at the Knavesmire (YO24 1EN) where the main event takes place.

    What does York Pride cost?

    York Pride is free for everyone to take part in.

    What entertainment will there be at York Pride?

    Yes, the full programme will be announced shortly. However, the pride does sell wristbands which you can buy on their website.

    Does York Pride have a website?

    Absolutely. You can view all thing York Pride HERE and buy your wristbands to support the pride.

    What should I bring to pride?

    We’ve created a list of Pride survival ideas. Take a look – but don’t forget to bring sunscreen, money and fully charged phone!

    Looking for accommodation for York Pride, find the best deals at Travelodge, Hotels.com or Bookings.com

  • Everything You Need To Know About Exeter Pride 2018

    Exeter’s 10th annual pride takes place in May but what do we know about one of the busiest pride events in southern England.

    Everything You Need To Know About Exeter Pride 2018
    Everything You Need To Know About Exeter Pride 2018

    Exeter’s pride is celebrating its 10th year in 2018 and here’s everything you need to know about the pride event which will take place on the 12th May 2018.

    The Pride’s chair, Adam Rank said,”There will be a real celebration feel this year, being our 10th anniversary, it is the perfect time to consider how far we have come since Exeter Pride began.

    “We work closely with a range of partners to stage the event, including Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, the University of Exeter, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, and local businesses.

    “It would not be possible without generous donations or sponsorship from local and national businesses, organisations and individuals and the fundraising efforts and assistance of many volunteers. We are currently welcoming approaches from those who would like to get involved as volunteers, have a stall or be a partner or sponsor. In addition, we are running our usual wristband scheme which offers year-long discounts at restaurants/shops etc, which makes them very desirable.”

    This year the pride is Celebration.

    What time does Exeter Pride begin?

    Exeter Pride officially opens with a parade from the St Sidwell Centre which will move down Exeter High Street to Northernhay Gardens. The highlight will be a 50-metre rainbow flag carried by volunteers from Exeter Pride. The time is yet to be announced.

    Is there a parade?

    This year’s parade will involve thousands of people including: roller skaters, Street Heat samba band, a fire engine, an ambulance, Morris dancers, police officers, representatives from community groups and organisations, and volunteers carrying an incredible 50-metre rainbow flag.

    Where is Exeter Pride?

    Exeter Pride takes place in Northernhay Gardens, but there is also a parade to watch. It will run from the St Sidwell Centre which will move down Exeter High Street to Northernhay Gardens.

    What does Exeter Pride cost?

    Exeter Pride is a FREE event for all of the community to enjoy, however, you can buy a wristband (£10) which helps support the pride – and you can get discounts at a variety of business across the city until 2019.

    What entertainment will there be at Exeter Pride?

    Yes, the full programme will be announced at the end of April.

    Does Exeter Pride have a website?

    Absolutely. You can view all thing Exeter Pride HERE and buy your wristbands to support the pride.

    What should I bring to pride?

    We’ve created a list of Pride survival ideas. Take a look – but don’t forget to bring sunscreen, money and fully charged phone!

  • A new film season marks Exeter Pride’s 10th Anniversary

    This spring, Exeter Phoenix and Exeter Pride are celebrating love, life and LGBT+ with Cine Queer – a new film season at Studio 74 as part of Exeter Pride’s 10th Anniversary. In a cinematic celebration of diversity and acceptance, this special film season will feature new releases, cult classics, documentary, panel discussions and more.

    Cine Queer season opens on Friday 20th April with French film 120 BPM, an exhilarating drama following the actions of Parisian AIDS activists in the early 1990s. This screening will be accompanied by a special introduction about those living with or affected by HIV. The season runs until Tuesday 15th May, where it will conclude with the visually spectacular film The Wound.

    Cine Queer will also feature screenings of groundbreaking new release Love, Simon, the first studio-made teen rom-com featuring a gay protagonist. A special event for drag performance documentary Kings, Queens and In-Betweens will be followed by a panel discussion on gender ambiguity with guests, The Ambiguous-A and Alyssa Van Delle, from the South West’s own drag scene. Screenings of cult-classic But I’m A Cheerleader and the eye-opening Signature Move complete the season.

    Speaking this week, the season’s programmer Alix Taylor said ‘Exeter Phoenix is proud to be marking Exeter Pride’s 10th Anniversary with this brand new film season, which firmly place LGBT+ cinema in Studio 74 and opens our programme up to a wider, more diverse audience.’

    Exeter Pride, one of the South West’s biggest celebrations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) communities, will take place at venues across Exeter on Saturday 12th May. The day promises to be an explosion of colour, positivity and pride.

    Cinema tickets for Studio are £7 or book 3 films for £18. Under 25s can enjoy £5 tickets to all films at Studio 74. Tickets are available here: http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/category/cine-queer/ or by calling the box office on 01392 667080.

     

    Listings Info

    120 BPM: Fri 20 Apr, 7pm

    Signature Move: Tue 24 Apr, 7pm

    Kings, Queens & In-Betweens: Tue 1 May, 7.30pm

    Love, Simon: Tue 8 May, 7.30pm

    But I’m A Cheerleader: Sun 13 May, 4pm

    The Wound: Tue 15 May, 7.30pm

  • Sydney’s Mardi Gras turns a colourful 40

    Rainbow colours beamed from faces and floats parading through Sydney Saturday as hundreds of thousands of partygoers celebrated 40 years of the annual gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Organisers predicted close to half a million people would witness the glittery spectacle as some 200 floats and 12,500 participants — including police, politicians, indigenous groups and celebrities — made their way down Oxford Street, Sydney’s Gay… (more…)

  • Sydney’s Mardi Gras: colourful pride born from a night of violence<

    Forty years ago a group of gay and lesbian activists took to the Sydney streets for a night of celebration following a day of political protest, but police intervened, brutally beating dozens of partygoers. (more…)

  • What time does Worcestershire Pride 2017 start?

    2017 marks the very first Worcestershire Pride… Here are the start times and locations of everything that’s happening over the weekend.

    What time does Worcestershire Pride 2017 start?

    On the 23rd September, Worcester will play host to Worcestershire Pride 2017 – there will also be an LGBT+ Arts Festival in the run-up to the day. The pride event itself starts at midday.

    Is there a Parade for Worcestershire Pride

    This is no parade for Worcestershire Pride – all the activities take place at The Fountains and Copenhagen Street Car Park, South Quay, Worcester until 8 PM. A statement from the organisers of the event said,

    “On September 23rd, 2017, we’ll be running the first Worcestershire Pride event down by the riverfront in Worcester. We’re also running an LGBT+ Arts Festival in the run-up to the main day event and various fundraisers to unite the community whilst raising community funds for Worcestershire Pride”.

    What’s available at Worcestershire Pride?

    On the day there will be a dance tent, a family area, market stalls and a main stage. Local bar, Browns at the Quay, are providing bar services for the day, With Worcester’s premier gay bar, The Flag, Providing a second bar and club tent.

    Fortis Living is providing a family fun area for those bringing youngsters with them. The University of Worcester has given funding so that we can also provide a “quiet” tent for those in our community who may need to to take a break from the crowds and noise due to mental health issues, being on the autistic spectrum or those with guide dogs who need to rest and have some water.

    Who’s performing at Worcestershire Pride?

    Live entertainment from our main stage on the day from 12 noon until 8 PM.

    Hosted by local legends, Their Royal Highness: Princx and Ginny “Fancy a Slice” Lemon (as seen on this year’s X Factor)

    We have live performances from Zara Sykes, Beth Prior, Nth Cave, Elea Calvet, Jenna Davinci, Wymsical Theatre, Stuart Woolfenden, Reigns, Dan Brown, George Howes, Yshee Black, Whoofy Powder, Roosa & Jared.

    With X Factor alumni, Freddy Parker headlining the day.

    Does it cost anything to go to Worcestershire Pride?

    Worchestershire Pride is completely free to attend, although if you want to donate, you are, of course, welcome to do so! You can find out more about Worcestershire Pride at their website.

  • Everything you need to know about Worcestershire Pride 2017

    2017 marks the very first Worcestershire Pride… Here’s everything you need to know.

    Everything you need to know about Worcestershire Pride 2017

    On the 23rd September, Worcester will play host to Worcestershire Pride 2017 – there will also be an LGBT+ Arts Festival in the run up to the day.

    Is there a Parade for Worcestershire Pride

    This is no parade for Worcestershire Pride – all the activities take place at The Fountains and Copenhagen Street Car Park, South Quay, Worcester until 8PM. A statement from the organisers of the event said,

    “On September 23rd 2017, we’ll be running the first Worcestershire Pride event down by the riverfront in Worcester. We’re also running an LGBT+ Arts Festival in the run-up to the main day event and various fundraisers to unite the community whilst raising community funds for Worcestershire Pride” .

    What’s available at Worcestershire Pride?

    On the day there will be a dance tent, a family area, market stalls and a main stage. Local bar, Browns at the Quay, are providing bar services for the day, With Worcester’s premier gay bar, The Flag, Providing a second bar and club tent.

    Fortis Living are providing a family fun area for those bringing youngsters with them. The University of Worcester has given funding so that we can also provide a “quiet” tent for those in our community who may need to to take a break from the crowds and noise due to mental health issues, being on the autistic spectrum or those with guide dogs who need to rest and have some water.

    Who’s performing at Worcestershire Pride?

    Live entertainment from our main stage on the day from 12 noon until 8 PM.

    Hosted by local legends, Their Royal Highness: Princx and Ginny “Fancy a Slice” Lemon (as seen on this year’s X Factor)

    We have live performances from Zara Sykes, Beth Prior, Nth Cave, Elea Calvet, Jenna Davinci, Wymsical Theatre, Stuart Woolfenden, Reigns, Dan Brown, George Howes, Yshee Black, Whoofy Powder, Roosa & Jared.

    With X Factor alumni, Freddy Parker headlining the day.

    Does it cost anything to go to Worcestershire Pride?

    Worchestershire Pride is completely free to attend, although if you want to donate, you are, of course, welcomed to do so! You can find out more about Worcestershire Pride at their website.

     

     

     

     

     

  • 12 Essential Points For Putting On A Pride Event

    So I thought I would write a little piece about the ups and downs and pitfalls of organising a Gay pride event.

    How to organise a successful pride

    I doubted writing this piece for a while as I know it will cause an uproar and probably outrage but I feel like I need to write something to get these feelings out.

    No one really tells you what goes into putting on an event, like a pride, what ever the scale and size of it.

    It’s our towns first event in 20yrs. I look back now over the last 7 months and reflect on all the struggles we have had within the gay community alone.

    The local community, local councils and emergency services have been very supportive of the event and want the event to take place but we have come up with more resilience from within our own community it is a very small community here in my town but it is getting bigger as the years have gone on.

    So I thought I would put together a checklist of 12 points to organising any type of event so someone in the future who thinks of putting an event on may have an idea of what to expect

    1. Build a strong team of more than 5 people to share workloads, depending on size of event and have plenty of meetings to cross reference where everyone is. Set up a WhatsApp group. Set up a Facebook Chat.

    2. Take the time and plan well in advance

    3. Seek guidance and advice from other Pride events or the UKPON

    1. Apply for all licences and permits within timeframes

    2. Include all emergency services in plans and details, get contact details for all chiefs or commanders of police, fire, ambulance

    3. Use online networks & websites to get details of local charities & organisations that might like to get involved.

    4. Get social. Set up online accounts, social medias & websites before launching advent, get dates, times and addresses confirmed before going live. Build a database of contact details for everyone.

    8. Artwork! If you have budget get artwork, logos and advertising done well in advance

    9. Infrastructure! Secure all bookings of toilet hire, stage hire, stalls, security, music acts, and any other main essentials with online form and deposits.

    10. Love the volunteer. Build a strong base of volunteers that will help on the day these are the most important people that will be helping on the day to make your event a success

    11. Contact at all times. Keep people informed and keep in contact with everyone whether it’s stall holders, security teams, volunteers, stage crew basically anyone that is going to be involved

    12. Don’t be a crazy train wreck by the end. Give your self 4 weeks before the date of event to have everything done signed and in place so the last few weeks aren’t a crazy mess

    Lastly, enjoy the event and if anything comes up, deal with it calmly and quickly.
    And remember there are plenty of people out their to ask for help and advice and guidance

    From my personal experience, I have learned that try not to let people’s opinions and comments reflect on the importance of putting on any type of event as you are going to criticism and hate and negativity especially from the gay community in small towns.

    I think in bigger towns and cities that have gay scenes and community it’s not as bad but I wish anyone the best of luck in putting on their event and remember if you need any advice or help just ask.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

     

  • Five ways to protect your ears this pride season

    Damaged hearing is a real issue with one in ten of us suffering from tinnitus so make sure you protect your ears this pride season.

    National charity Action on Hearing Loss is urging Pride-goers this summer to consider their hearing before attending large events. Six million people in the UK – that’s one in ten – are affected by tinnitus

    Gemma Twitchen, senior audiologist at Action on Hearing loss explained,

    “We don’t want people to stop going to music events – that’s not what this is about. However, people may not be aware that there is a risk of damaging your hearing if you expose yourself to too much loud noise. The good news is that if you aware of the risks and take the simple steps to protect yourself, you can still enjoy the music.

    “You can help ensure both you and your hearing survives the Pride season by investing in ear plugs. There is a misconception that if you wear them you can’t hear or enjoy the music, but this is simply not true. Ear plugs will block out the dangerous sound frequencies, still allowing you to listen to the music and enjoy it”.

    So make sure you follow these find tips to make sure you don’t become a sufferer.

    1. Don’t stand too near the speakers for a prolonged amount of time

    2. Take breaks away from loud music

    3. Make sure you keep your body hydrated to increase blood circulation and keep your body and ears healthy

    4. Wear ear plugs

    5. Make sure your children are wearing ear defenders

     

    If the ringing in your ears does not go away after a 24-hour period, the charity recommends people visit their local GP.

  • There’s an adult Panto in Bournemouth… Oh Yes There Is!

    There’s an adult Panto in Bournemouth… Oh Yes There Is!

    Panto season’s over? “Oh No It Isn’t”! Following on from last year’s hugely successful run of Sleeping Beauty, Bournemouth’s first ever alternative panto, the cast are at it again only this time they’re getting to grips with Jack’s Stalk.

    Jack ‘N His Big Stalk

    The wonderful Bourne Free (Bournemouth Pride) team in association with Over The Rainbow charity, who help with all sexual health issues, are pleased to see the return of some of their beloved stars from last year, including: Lucinda Lashes (Ben), Paul Lawrence Thomas (Cosmic), Cassie (Lea Martin), Cassidy Connors (Wesley Sebastian), Richard Facer and Jason Burch.

    It seems the stalk is not the only thing getting bigger though down in Bournemouth as two new stars, Sheila Tackya (Xchange Club Hostess) and Vielida Moppe (UK Drag Idol winner 2016), will be joining the panto family who, due to popular demand last year, will be offering a much longer run.

    We advise you BOOK NOW as tickets will sell out fast for this guaranteed night of hilarity and innuendo! Over 16’s recommended.

    The show runs from the 18th – 22nd January 2017 at the Shelley Theatre, Bournemouth. Tickets can be purchased from shelleytheatre.admit-one.eu

    Bourne Free Pride takes place the weekend of 30th June – 2nd July 2017.