Graham Munday chats to Chris Murphy about Brighton Bear Weekender, on June 20-22 and this years Pride.
So how did Brighton Bear Weekender come about? “It started in 2009 when the original Kings Arms in London was around. At that point it was the city’s bear bar. I was going to call it BBC, Brighton Bears and Cubs. Unfortunately the King Arms closed and that put a kibosh on that. It was a transitional time and The Camelford Arms was just opening and establishing itself as the new bear bar. I contacted David Silver. Initially they did not take me that seriously. The first one had to happen to prove that it could be done. No money was made that year. That was 2010 as we are now in our 4th year. In year two people were supportive as it had been shown it could bring guys into the city for the weekend.”
So where does Brighton Bear Weekender find itself this year? “It is continually growing and becoming easier to organise as more people want to get involved making it less of a struggle to organise. The weekend takes a lot of planning and organising. The amount of meetings we go to and attend for one weekend of the year is quite incredible. The hard work pays off and we end up with a great weekend for everybody.”
So is the weekend raising money now? “Yes last year we raised £2,800 plus with the sale of raffle tickets, clothing and wristbands. All profits go to The Rainbow Fund. None of the people who help organises it take any money from it. We have no overheads. So all the donations and money you kindly give us goes to the Rainbow Fund. It is important that we support them because it is umbrella organisation that does not raises money itself, but looks after the money that is raised for them. They then give grants to local LGBT charities that offer frontline services to the LGBT community in Brighton and Hove. Brighton Bear Weekender is now the second biggest contribute to the fund after Brighton Pride. We are very proud of that.”
So what can we expect over the weekend? “A welcome smile. Last year we had about 130 people attend the Saturday afternoon picnic which is always a good benchmark. You don’t even have to bring food as Lunch Postive have a great stand full of delicious reasonably priced food. All the events bring in more people each year. Last year we had guys from Germany, France, Scottish guys and even someone from the USA. So word is getting out there. Brighton is a great place to visit.”
Are you selling merchandise again this year? “We are selling T- shirts and hoodies again. The t shirt design changes every year. We also have different colors for the hoodies and t shirts from year to year. This year’s t shirt design has been done by the talented illustrator Nicholas Maguire. It has a subtle Royal Pavillion motif in it. Very Brighton and it has been selling very well. You can buy it online at our website or if you can’t wait then pop into Prowler in Brighton that are kindly stocking it for us this year.”
Are wristbands being sold? “Wristbands are £5 which give you discounts in shops, drink deals in the bars and clubs offering discounted/free entry.
For details on the website, CLICK HERE:
You can buy these at Prowler Brighton or at the welcome night at the Royal Oak, St James Street on Friday June 20.
After the weekend are they any plans for Brighton Bear Weekender? “We are taking part in this year’s Pride Community Sports Day and Picnic on July 27. We are entering a team and hopefully Tug of War will be our event. We are going to get some big strapping lads at the end of the rope. I don’t think we are going to do so well at the running events. Its all about joining in and supporting.
And Pride day itself? “We are entering the parade for the first time this year. In the past lots of our associates have joined the Bear Patrol float but this year as we are growing we feel we need to come out of the shadows and have our own identity. So this year we are going to enter as the Village Bear People. The theme for the parade is The World’s a Disco. Back in the 80’s The Village People were out there with their gay anthems. I am sure we can dress up and look the part in the parade.”
Do you have an idea for an outfit already? “Ooooo! I am looking at leather, maybe chaps.. The good thing about Village People you can easily pick one of them and put an outfit together.”
And in the park? “We are going to be in the Bear’s tent area and dancing the day and night away.”
So how can people join Brighton Bear Weekender on the Pride float? “You can contact us though our Facebook page, our Twitter account or just come and see us over the weekend itself on June 20-22.”
Thanks to Chris Murphy for those insights. Time for me to go and buy t shirts, hoodies, wristbands and lots of raffle tickets. See you all there.
For more information about Brighton Bears Weekender, CLICK HERE:
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