Preparations are well in hand for the seventh Exeter Pride on May 16, which promises to be the biggest, most colourful event, to date, with more than 2,000 people expected to take part in the largest rainbow flag parade the city has ever seen.
HEALTH and well-being advice and information will be found at the South West’s biggest free celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities.
The Health Zone at this year’s Exeter Pride, will include free HIV testing, free safe sex packs and information about mental health, counselling and other health issues.
Everyone is invited to walk in the Pride Parade in support of Exeter’s LGBT communities. The parade will include community groups, firefighters, police, students, trade union groups, business LGBT groups, individuals and volunteers carrying a 50-metre rainbow flag.
To register a group or organisation on the parade, email:
The parade will begin at the St Sidwell’s Community Centre and make its way down Exeter high Street. After the parade there will be a full programme of family friendly activities at the Exeter Phoenix in Gandy Street for children, young people and adults.
The Pride Marketplace, which will include dozens of stalls from local and national organisations and groups, will be held in Rougemont Gardens.
To book a stall, email:
A full programme of events, will include a family zone, the return of the popular drumming workshop, a ceilidh and a panel debate. Evening events will include live music and DJs.
Admission to some evening activities will be by wristband only, which will be available from selected outlets.
Devon County Council will be raising a flag at County Hall in Topsham Road before the day.
Neil Clements, chairman of Exeter Pride committee, said: “Exeter Pride is a celebration of the the city and county’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans 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 added: “Exeter Pride would not be possible without 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 a vital 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 or email: volunteering@exeterpride.co.uk.
“For further details, including how to advertise in the Pride programme, please email: secretary@exeterpride.co.uk.”
For further information about Exeter Pride on May 16 and to sign up to be a volunteer, click here:
You must be logged in to post a comment.