Doncaster Pride is to host UK Pride for the first time, when the nationwide LGBTQ+ celebration returns on Saturday, August 10.
Jenny Dewsnap, Chair of Doncaster Pride, which expects to welcome 20,000 people to the event, said: “There are around 260 volunteer run pride events like Doncaster in the UK. Every year one is selected to host the national event. It is voted on by other pride organisers, so we feel honoured that our peers selected Doncaster for 2024.
“It’s not necessarily about it just being bigger, it’s about showcasing what we do in Doncaster year in, year out, but with an extra bit of glitter and sparkle!”
A new website for the event has confirmed Doncaster Pride 2024 will be taking place in the heart of Town Field.
Jenny continued: “One of our most ambitious plans will see the annual Parade featuring representation from every Pride in the UK, including near neighbours like Harworth and Bircotes and Mexborough. Others will travel from up and down the UK to be with us for a celebration of the events we all deliver and a chance to acknowledge the work of the thousands of volunteers who do exactly what we do here in Doncaster.”
On top of UK Pride event in Doncaster, the city will also host first ever Youth Pride – a legacy project linked to UK Pride – and the launch of a YouTube channel which will capture the sights, sounds and flavour of the UK Pride Host City Year throughout 2024.
“It’s not only great for Doncaster Pride and the LGBTQ+ community, but it’s also great for Doncaster,” Jenny added, “The event will bring in masses of visitors to spend locally and to see our great city in a positive light.
“But 2024 is so much more than a day in August, there is a much bigger picture where we hope to use the host city title as a catalyst to a year of change, a year where we all consider the wider impacts of equality, diversity, and inclusion. After all equality isn’t just about the LGBTQ+ community – equality is equality for everyone, no matter what, and it’s that philosophy that sums up Doncaster Pride’s event in August – a place for everyone to just be who they are.
“Everyone is welcome, everyone is included, everyone can be a part of what will be an enormous year for Doncaster.”
