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Blackpool Unites for CHECHNYA appeal

Danny Beard
Danny Beard

Following news stories of atrocities in Chechnya, the round-up, beating, incarceration and torture of gay men in the Russian State; entertainers from across the UK and Europe come together to raise funds to support the terrible plight of these men.

Not since the 1940’s has Europe seen the wholesale incarceration and torture of Gay men for their sexual orientation; this terrifying atrocities must come to an end!

Rainbow Railroad is a charity which has supported LGBT+ people escaping persecution in their own countries for decades. On Monday July 31, forty of the UK’s finest cabaret stars alongside International Pop Diva Soraya Vivian and Britain’s Got Talent’s semi finalist Danny Beard will come together at VIVA Blackpool for a spectacular fundraiser to support the work this incredible charity is doing.

Soraya Vivian
Soraya Vivian

Soraya Vivian said: “Like so many others I am deeply disturbed by the news from Chechnya, I have so many LGBT+ fans and love them dearly, I want to see an end to this terrible persecution and of course I am only to happy to support this incredible fundraiser with my Blackpool friends.”

Viva Blackpool hosts the event with the outrageous Leye D Johns, The Jerseys and the reimagined Viva Vegas Live on hand to bring the Las Vegas sparkle to the event.

With charity auction, games and more to entertain and raise those all important funds, this promises to be a memorable occasion and one which will see vital support to deserving causes.

Alongside the Rainbow Road charity, the local charity Horizon West which assists those LGBT+ people living with HIV in crisis will also benefit from the nights fundraising.

 


Event: UNITE FOR CHECHNYA

Where: Viva Blackpool, 3 Church St, Blackpool FY1 1HJ

When: Monday, July 31

Time: 7.30pm

Cost: Tickets £6.50

To book tickets online, click here:

 

Rainbow Fund annual grants round – second call

Applications for The Rainbow Fund’s Annual Grants Round have been open for several weeks.

The closing date has been set later this year, on Friday, September 1, so that those involved in Pride have time to recover fully.

No applications received after September 1 will be considered by the grants panel.

The Rainbow Fund is keen to promote cooperation and respect between all LGBT+/HIV groups and organisations providing services to LGBT+ people in Brighton & Hove.

To this end, they make conditions to the grants they award to ensure that groups and organisations attend, and participate in good faith, the quarterly meetings of Working to Connect the LGBT small groups network, and/or The Community Safety Forum, to discuss challenges and opportunities that arise in these sectors.

Chris Gull
Chris Gull

Chris Gull, Chair of the Rainbow Fund, said: “I have been alarmed recently to hear of personality clashes, squabbles, lobbying and what appear to be attempts at empire building across both sectors. All grant applications this year will be subjected to an additional ‘respect’ clause’. The Rainbow Fund will also expect to see evidence of a ‘respect clause’, mentioning other Brighton and Hove LGBT+ groups and organisations, being incorporated into the constitutions of all LGBT+/HIV groups applying to the fund, within the 12 months of the grant period, before we will consider an application for the 2018 grants round. We know that some groups already have these in place, and that is good practice.”

For the criteria for this year’s grants round, and the on-line application form, click here:

Woodingdean councillors seek reassurances over GP surgery

Woodingdean Ward Councillors Dee Simson and Steve Bell have written to the Chief Executive of the Brighton & Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) seeking reassurances over the closure of the Ridgeway GP Surgery in their ward.

 

The Surgery is due to close on October 31 with the retirement of the owners of the Surgery – GPs Jeremy Baker and Dodie Fahmy.

Cllr. Bell
Cllr. Bell

Cllr. Bell said: “As a patient of the Ridgeway Surgery myself, I know that this news will bring unwelcome uncertainty, in particular for many elderly and vulnerable residents in the ward. We are seeking reassurances from the CCG that these residents will be looked after in an appropriate way during the transition to a new surgery and that they are not caused additional unnecessary stress.”

Cllr. Simson
Cllr. Simson

Cllr. Simson added: “We are keen to ensure that medical practices are given all the financial and staffing resources necessary to take on the 2,000 additional patients from the Ridgeway and that this can be accommodated without negatively impacting on those surgery’s existing patients. It would not be acceptable if this process leads to increased waiting times for patients seeking appointments with their GP.”

Wild Fruit takes final majestic bow at Brighton Pride 2017

David Morales and Jocelyn Brown to headline the last Wild Fruit ever at Brighton Pride 2017.

Although the dance big top will continue at Brighton Pride in years to come, it’s time to say a fruity and fabulous farewell to Wild Fruit as it celebrates it’s 25th anniversary, hosting one last dance on the amazing Summer Of Love stage in the Wild Fruit dance tent on Preston park.

Expect world-class clubbing from one of the UK’s most infamous club nights as it delivers a day of sensational partying at the heart of the Brighton Pride Festival.

With international superstar DJs including house legend David Morales, worldwide wonder Seamus Haji, festival favourites Prok & Fitch, underground heroines Maze & Masters, and the glorious legend that is Fat Tony, joining Wild Fruit maestros Mr Haywood and Dulcie Danger, you just know the tunes will be as massive as the smiles on the faces of Pride revellers.

Add a must-see Summer Of Love diva spectacular with the legendary Jocelyn Brown, plus Angie Brown and Rozalla uniting their unique voices together as one for a sensational live performance, all hosted by Fruit legends Mama YvetteChrissy DarllingDolly Rocket, and you have the perfect Wild Fruit extravaganza.

The tunes will be big, the celebrations emotional, the production spectacular, the dancing boys and girls gorgeous, the hostesses delicious, the PA’s fabulous and the smiles guaranteed.

It’s time to share your fruity love with Wild Fruit at Brighton Pride one last time.

 


Brighton & Hove Pride: Friday 4 – Sunday, August 6, 2017
Pride Festival: Saturday, August 5 2017, 12 noon
Pride Community Parade: Saturday, August 5 2017, 11am
Pride Village Party: Saturday, August 5 – Sunday, August 6, 2017
For tickets for the Pride Festival click here:

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