Organisers of Isle of Wight Pride invite everyone to join them on the beach in Ryde for a free, family friendly celebration event on Saturday July 15.
The main event will take place on Harbour Beach in Ryde, following a colourful parade through the heart of Ryde starting at 11am.
Speakers including Peter Tatchell, Linda Reilly and Justine Smithies amongst others will be raising issues facing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) communities across the World in 2017.
Joining them in what will be the first ever UK Pride event to take place on a beach, will be headline acts Freemasons, Horse McDonald and La Voix.
The Freemasons are best known for their classic club and chart hits such as Love on My Mind, Rain Down Love, Uninvited and When You Touch Me.
Horse McDonald described by Iain Banks as having “a voice like folds of very rich chocolate” is recognised as one of Scotland’s best songwriter vocalists and a veteran supporter of Pride events.
La Voix who reached the semi finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 will be opening the event with her Va Va Voom Boys.
Other acts appearing will include Reigns, Nicki French, Allan Jay, Miss Jason, The Bunker Girls, Alfie Ordinary, Jacqui Swallows, Saski Singer, the Medina Community Chorus and the Southampton Gay Men’s Chorus.
Away from the beach arena and main stage, the Pride Village will have food stalls, a small acoustic stage, family fun area, retail stalls and information stands.
The official After Pride Party will be at the Balcony Bar in Ryde where The Freemason will make a further appearance along with Gaydio’s DJ Alex Baker and Tony Walton from the The Waltons will be making a special guest DJ appearance, especially for Pride.
Tickets for the main event on the beach are free, but you need to pre-register as there will be a controlled maximum capacity. You can buy tickets online for the VIP area and the evening event at the Balcony Bar.
Committee member John Brownscombe, said: “Team Pride welcomes everyone to this fabulous family friendly event. With the support of our sponsors, local businesses and individual donations and the hard work of the team of volunteers, we are thrilled to be able to put on this event for free. At the heart of the day is an Island community celebration for everyone who shares our belief in equality irrespective of your sexuality or what gender you identify as. Alongside the fun festivities there will also be information and speakers talking about the struggles still facing the global LGBT community. It is shocking and tragic that there are still people being killed just because of who they are or who they love.”
Committee member Yve White, added: “IW Pride will be open to everyone. All of our Fringe events have been attended by a broad range of people and we want the main event to be no different. You don’t have to be LGBT+ to come along, join in the fun and share in this landmark event for the Isle of Wight.
Personally, I cannot wait to see La Voix live and will also have my dancing shoes on ready for the amazing Freemasons! It’s time for us all on the Island to recognise that Love really does Win.”
For further information, registration for taking part in the Pride Parade and all tickets for the event, click here:
