A rainbow flag proudly flies above the Civic Hall in the historic market town of Totnes, Devon celebrating their fourth Pride on September 3.
The flag raising ceremony, described by one onlooker as “moving and heartwarming” was followed by Totnes’ first LGBT+ History Walk led by local Writer, Historian and Publisher Bob Mann.
The flag raising ceremony comes just two months after Abingdon Council voted against a motion to fly the rainbow flag from the town’s county hall next June in support of Oxford Pride.
Proud2Be co-founder Mat Price said: “We are thrilled that the rainbow flag is flying in Totnes and are grateful to the Town Council for its support. We urge all councils in the UK who have voted against similar proposals, to reconsider their position and show that they are truly committed to nurturing and celebrating diversity in their area.”
The ceremony marks the start of the Towns’ fourth ever Pride celebration, which will take place this Saturday, September 3
Totnes-based social enterprise, Proud2Be have organised a whole host of events, to bring the LGBT+ community together with their friends, families and supporters, to celebrate diversity in the town.
This year’s special guests include Helen Belcher, who is one of the founders of Trans Media Watch who campaign on equal marriage, trans healthcare and gender recognition reform.
Helen said: “I’m really proud to have been invited to speak at Totnes Pride, and am looking forward to a fine day with fine people in one of Devon’s finest towns.”
Helen will be joined by Holly Greenberry and Dawn Vago, co-founders and co directors of IntersexUK and #5 on Independent on Sunday’s Rainbow List 2015.
Last year’s guest activist Jacq Applebee said about the event: “I encourage anyone who can to go! It’s one of the most inclusive LGBT+ events I’ve ever known”.
The day will start at 11am outside The Dartmouth Inn, where there will be opening speeches from Helen, Proud2Be founders Jon & Mat Price and Totnes Mayor Eleanor Cohen who together with award-winning Samba ROC Band, will then lead a procession up Fore Street and High Street to Totnes Civic Hall at 11.30am.
Road closures will be in place between 10.30am – 1pm at Ticklemore Street and from the bottom of Fore Street up to where the High Street meets Castle Street.
This year, Proud2Be have teamed up with local charity ROC Creative to create a ten-foot tall puppet to lead this year’s Pride Procession.
Community bus service Bob the Bus, will run a park and ride service from 10am at King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) and will also be transporting those with mobility issues up the procession at 11.15.
From midday, at the Civic Hall, visitors can enjoy, workshops and talks, community stands, Dot’s Cafe, a youth space and a variety of family friendly activities including art and craft, scrap modelling, face painting and much more.
There will be a panel discussion from 1.45pm at Totnes Cinema, where local and national activists will discuss how divisions can be broken down within the LGBT+ community.
The fun continues into the evening at Totnes Pride After Party from 7.00pm at Totnes Civic Hall, which will feature live music from popular Disco Funk band Golddust, P?nk (UK’s No.1 tribute to P!nk) and DJ sets from Madame Souza and Rhi Rhythm.
Following a successful Big Lottery bid, for the first time, entry to the daytime events will be free.
Tickets to the After Party are £10.00 (18 and over only) and are available to purchase online and at the Totnes Pride day event.
Totnes Mayor, Eleanor Cohen, said: “As Mayor, I welcome this event and look forward to seeing an exciting and vibrant celebration of difference and unity, all equal in our social mix.”
Proud2Be are also encouraging local businesses and residents to show their support by displaying rainbow flags during the week of Pride. These are available to buy from Proud2Be.
To find out more about Totnes Pride or to buy an After Party ticket, click here:
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