Exeter Pride, one of the biggest celebrations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) communities in the South West, is on Saturday, May 12, 2018 this year – with organisers promising an explosion of colour, positivity and pride.
A key annual event in the city’s calendar, this year marks Exeter Pride’s 10th anniversary.
On the big day, a colourful rainbow flag parade will move down Exeter High Street from the St Sidwell Centre to Northernhay Gardens featuring thousands of people, roller skaters, Street Heat samba band, a fire engine, an ambulance, Morris dancers, police officers, representatives from community groups and organisations, and volunteers carrying a 50-metre rainbow flag.
The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Lesley Robson, will lead the parade to the main stage in Northernhay Gardens, where a full programme of events and activities will take place.
Other events and activities will take place at Exeter Phoenix, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter Library and Rougemont Gardens.
♦ There will be a marketplace, with a range of stalls. Stall applications are open now and should be made to: info@exeterpride.co.uk.
♦ There will be workshops, film screenings, panel debates, trans workshops, a ceilidh, drumming and many other activities.
♦ Family-friendly events and activities will take place in Rougemont Gardens.
♦ There will be information from local, national and international organisations, demonstrations and fun activities.
The celebrations continue into the evening at Exeter Phoenix followed by a ‘chill out’ programme of events and activities the following day also at the Exeter Phoenix.
Adam Rank, Chair of Exeter Pride, said: “There will be a real celebration feel this year.
“Being our 10th anniversary, it is the perfect time to consider how far we have come since Exeter Pride began.
“We work closely with a range of partners to stage the event, including Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, the University of Exeter, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, and local businesses.
“It would not be possible without generous donations or sponsorship from local and national businesses, organisations and individuals and the fundraising efforts and assistance of many volunteers.
“We are currently welcoming approaches from those who would like to get involved as volunteers, have a stall or be a partner or sponsor.
“In addition we are running our usual wristband scheme which offers year-long discounts at restaurants/shops etc, which makes them very desirable.”
To get in touch with Adam, email: chair@exeterpride.co.uk
Alan Quick, co-founder of Exeter Pride, added: “Without the support of previous trustees, volunteers, committee members, sponsors, partners and other supporters, and those currently involved, Exeter Pride would not have grown to what it is today.
“Year-on-year it has grown thanks to the active involvement of so many people.
“It really has helped Exeter Pride to fulfil its aims, to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit and in particular the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity through awareness-raising, advancing community education, and by holding an annual LGBT festival.
“While we are celebrating this year, we are keen to recognise and to educate on themes of LGBT history, LGBT contributions to culture, and awareness of on-going LGBT struggles in the UK and further afield.”
