Exeter’s 10th LGBT Pride has announced the theme of this year’s event; celebration!
Exeter Pride is one of the South West’s biggest celebrations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) communities in the region and a key annual event in the city’s calendar.
Events include a colourful rainbow flag parade from the St Sidwell Centre which will move down Exeter High Street to Northernhay Gardens featuring thousands of people, roller skaters, Street Heat samba band, a fire engine, an ambulance, Morris dancers, police officers, representatives from community groups and organisations, and volunteers carrying a 50-metre rainbow flag.
The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Lesley Robson, will lead the parade to the main stage in Northernhay Gardens, where a full programme of events and activities will take place. Other events and activities will take place at Exeter Phoenix, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter Library and Rougemont Gardens.
Other offerings on the day include a market place, with a range of stalls, workshops, film screenings, panel debates, trans workshops, a ceilidh, drumming and many other activities. Family-friendly events and activities will take place in Rougemont Gardens.
There will be information from local, national and international organisations, demonstrations and fun activities.
Adam Rank, Chair of Exeter Pride, 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.”
Alan Quick, co-founder of Exeter Pride, extended thanks to all those who had supported Exeter Pride since it held its very first pride in 2009, he said: “Without the support of previous trustees, volunteers, committee members, sponsors, partners and other supporters, and those currently involved, Exeter Pride would not have grown to what it is today.
“It really has helped Exeter Pride to fulfill its aims, to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit and in particular the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity through awareness-raising, advancing community education, and by holding an annual LGBT festival. While we are celebrating this year, we are keen to recognise and to educate on themes of LGBT history, LGBT contributions to culture, and awareness of on-going LGBT struggles in the UK and further afield.”
For further details head to @exeterpride or Facebook: Facebook.com/exeterpride
