Plans are well underway for the tenth Doncaster Pride which will take place on August 20 in the heart of the town centre.
The event started from humble beginnings in the Market Place in 2007 with an audience of around a thousand.
In 2016 it is now one of the biggest events staged in Doncaster with crowds expected to reach ten thousand this year to mark the 10th birthday celebrations.
Doncaster Pride is run for and by the gay community and welcomes everyone including families to the colourful day that includes a walk through the streets of Doncaster led by a pipe and drum band featuring local community groups including the South Yorkshire Commemorative Trust and representatives from collieries across the borough.
Following the walk the main stage will feature a mixture of acts ranging from Disney sing-a-long to the hits of S Club 7 and Jo O’Meara.
Local performers, community theatre, drag and burlesque performers will be accompanied on stage by tribute acts to Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Justin Bieber, Little Mix and David Bowie to name a few, creating a fun, friendly and colourful day out that remains completely free!
Add to the walk and the main stage a mix of food and drink outlets, stalls crammed full of information and retailers selling an array of goods and the event is complete.
Chair of Doncaster Pride Jenny Dewsnap, said: “We have been doing this for 10 years and we are proud of what we’ve achieved as a very small voluntary group. We’ve seen things change enormously in that time here in Doncaster. We’ve seen support from within and outside the gay community grow and we now have many sponsors and supporters who help us to deliver this fabulous event. We’ve also seen our crowds grow year on year, not just from the gay community but much wider and all coming together in unity and celebration to have an amazing day out.
“Doncaster Pride has grown to be one of the largest annual events in the town and it puts Doncaster on the map for the right reasons. We feel we’re part of a growing number of hugely successful Pride events and of course we reckon we’re one of the best around – we must be doing something right to be going this strong for the tenth birthday event..
“We are so proud of what we’ve achieved, but more so we are proud of everyone in Doncaster that has supported us over 10 years. We urge you all to come and join in on August 20th and help us celebrate this milestone.
“Pride does have a serious side, recent events in Florida – the senseless murder of 49 people from our community has served to remind us all that Pride events are still as important now as they have ever been. The world may have advanced but homophobia and lack of education prevails and whilst ever one person anywhere in the world is suffering because of their sexuality we will continue and we will remember the real reasons why Pride events and the visibility they give to the gay community are still relevant in 2016.”
Walk of Unity – from 1pm – meeting point The Queens (Doncaster Market Square) route is 1 mile approximately and suitable for all including wheelchairs and pushchairs. It is a totally pedestrianised route.
Main stage – DJ commences 1pm
Main Stage – Acts commence 2pm
Main stage closes and event ends – 10pm
Doncaster Pride is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information about Doncaster Pride, click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBc053sEVg4
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