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Worthing Pride 2019 has lift off!

Besi Besemar March 2, 2019

Organisers of Worthing’s second Pride event unveil exciting line-up for 2019 event at a launch party hosted by main sponsors, The Cow and Oak Bar and Restaurant, Worthing.

WP Event Management team (left to right) Claire Fuller, James Spencer, Andy Kelly, Keira Thomas, Josie Kelly, WP Sound and Light Marc Woollard, and Hope Charity founders Claire Sparrow and Paul Mant.
WP Event Management team (left to right) Claire Fuller, James Spencer, Andy Kelly, Keira Thomas, Josie Kelly, WP Sound and Light Marc Woollard, and Hope Charity founders Claire Sparrow and Paul Mant.

FOLLOWING a vibrant Parade along the Promenade, ending at Splashpoint Rocks, Pride-goers can expect star-studded entertainments for the Main Event at Beach House Grounds on Worthing seafront.

If last year is anything to go by, thousands are expected to attend the self-styled biggest tea party and fete the county has ever seen!

Worthing Pride 2019, on Saturday, July 13, will be headlined by Magic Queen, the UK’s best Queen tribute act. Fans of the group say unanimously that Magic Queen are the closest an audience will get to seeing Freddie Mercury and the legendary band.

Other legends taking to the Pride stage this year are drag artists Dave Lynn, Cherry Liquor and Mary Hinge, soul-singing duo, Heart and Soul, and vocalist, Sam Solace. DJ Patch will perform a special set from the decks.

Richard Hadfield
Richard Hadfield

Worthing Pride welcomes local boy Richard Hadfield, who won Britain’s Got Talent as part of singing group, Collabro to the mainstage.

Also gracing the stage, making a welcome return to Worthing Pride, are singing star Jason Lee, the formidable Davina Sparkle and Disney-Diva, Miss Disney.

Finally, back by popular demand to host the main stage is Spice; the fabulous compere, singer, and ‘gender discombobulator’.

Launch night guests were thrilled to hear about the line-up for the 2019 event, while for technology and administration experts, Equiniti, it’s the second-time round as Worthing Prides’ second sponsor.

Equiniti LGBT Network Treasurer, Jenny O’Callaghan, said; “We are thrilled to be supporting Worthing Pride once again, and we are looking forward to getting involved on the day, taking part in the Parade on the Prom.”

Nationwide transport giants, Stagecoach, who have a base in Worthing, are also “over the moon” to be supporters of the event.

The company’s Operations Manager, Rob Vince said; “We’re working on plans to promote Worthing Pride on our buses, with one special bus, ‘The Pride of the Fleet’, featuring Worthing Pride’s themed designs, so watch this space.”

Also present at the launch were founders of the Hope Charity Project, Worthing Pride’s chosen charity 2019, with all profits from the event donated to the groups work.

Horsham-based founders, Claire Sparrow and Paul Mant, created the charity project from circumstances that affected their now 15-year-old daughter. A combination of mental health issues and failings from a care system in crisis, the founders created a self-styled ‘happy place’ on an acre of donated land near Horsham.

Claire said; “The Hope Charity Project could not be more grateful to be chosen and supported by a wonderful event. We are small charity project, we need to grow in order to reach the kids – and their families – in crisis. Worthing Prides’ support will help us grow and reach out further into the community.”

In July 2018, sell-out crowds descended on Worthing making the first Worthing Pride a huge success for the town.

Worthing Pride founder, Josie Kelly said; “We were overwhelmed with the success of our towns first Pride, and how everyone embraced the event. We loved the chilled, family vibe and we were touched by many coming-out stories and others that said how wonderful it was to see all couples, regardless of sexuality, feeling comfortable and safe to be true to themselves. We hope to replicate that vibe this year.”

Worthing Pride, proudly sponsored by local independent bar restaurants, the Cow Shed and Cow & Oak, and Equiniti. All proceeds will go to local organisation, The Hope Charity Project.

The colourful Parade on the Prom starts at 12pm, followed by the Main Event at Beach House Grounds from 1pm till 10pm.

Tickets will be on sale from March 4, along with more Pride event and Parade registration information.

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