The Lord Mayor of Exeter will sound an air horn to start the South West’s biggest free celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in the region.
On Saturday, May 10 at 12 noon, Councillor Rachel Lyons will start the largest rainbow flag parade the city has seen as part of Exeter Pride.
Exeter Pride, now in its sixth year, promises to be the biggest, most colourful event to date with more than 2,000 people expected to take part in the parade down Exeter’s High Street and then attend a full programme of activities at Exeter Phoenix in Gandy Street.
Community groups, firefighters, police, students, trade union groups and individuals will be among those taking part in the parade along with Street Heat samba band, the Devon and Cornwall Police band and volunteers carrying a 50-metre rainbow flag.
Everyone is invited to walk in the parade in support of Exeter’s LGBT communities which will start from Exeter City Football Club’s Fountain Centre car park.
To register for the Parade by email: CLICK HERE:
A full programme of family-friendly events will continue on into the evening and will include a family zone, a Victorian Fair, a Market Place, a new Health Zone, the return of the popular drumming workshop, a ceilidh and a panel debate whose theme will be: After the Honeymoon: setting an LGBT Agenda for the future.
The debate will be chaired by Shaun Dellenty, openly gay deputy head teacher at Alfred Salter Primary School in London and founder of Inclusion for All, a charitable organisation that helps to effect organisational change in schools and other educational contexts to pro-actively prevent homophobic language and bullying.
Panelists will include Rebecca Cook, founder of LGBTransaction, an organisation that provides a comprehensive programme of support for trans people, their families and friends; Miranda Nicholson, Strategic Mental Health Project Worker for the Intercom Trust; Bridget Garood, a Specialist Family Lawyer at Cartridges Solicitors; a representative from Devon Partnership Trust and a representative from Devon and Cornwall Police.
Evening events will include live music and DJs through until 2am.
Admission to some evening activities will be by wristband only, which are £3 from selected outlets.
A Pride on Campus Day is also being planned at the University of Exeter.
Tom Grigor, chairman of the Exeter Pride committee, said: “Exeter Pride is a celebration of the the city and county’s LGBT communities.
“It is about us having pride in our contributions to not just a vibrant and diverse city, but all of Devon and the city and county having pride in us.”
He continued: “Exeter Pride would not be possible with generous donations from local businesses, organisations and individuals and the fundraising efforts of many volunteers.
“Together with generous sponsorship from our partners, we are able to keep all our daytime events, free-of-charge.”
“Volunteers are an important part of helping to make things run smoothly and more volunteers are still needed to help steward the parade as well as helping to set up at Exeter Phoenix.
“Anyone who could spare some time to help can make contact through the Exeter Pride website.”
Devon and Cornwall Police chief constable, Shaun Sawyer, said: “Devon and Cornwall Police are proud to support Exeter Pride as part of our commitment to service the LGB and T communities across Devon and Cornwall.
“We would also like to congratulate Exeter Pride on establishing this as a successful annual event.”
Lee Howell, Chief Fire Officer of Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, concluded saying: “As a public service we have a strong belief in treating people fairly and with respect and challenging prejudice and discrimination.
“We welcome the opportunity to show this commitment by standing alongside the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community in this spectacular celebration of diversity.”
In addition to organising the Pride event, the Pride committee organise a wide range of events and entertainment throughout the year to promote inclusivity, self-confidence and a sense of community in a supportive environment.
Exeter Pride is supported by Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, The University of Exeter, NHS Commissioning, Devon and Cornwall Police, Heathwatch, Exeter College, Unison South West, Cartridges solicitors, Somerset College, Patronus security, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter CVS, Exeter City Football Club, The Vaults bar and club, The ODDfellows, Intercom, Its All About You Counselling, Southernhay House Hotel, Capital Taxis and many other businesses and organisations.
For more information about Exeter Pride, CLICK HERE:
To sign up as a volunteer, CLICK HERE:
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