Isle of Wight Pride returns this month to champion the importance of equality and diversity

Pictured: Drag Queen Cherry Liquor on stage at Isle of Wight Pride 2022.

Isle of Wight Pride returns this month with a weekend event at Eastern Gardens, Ryde Esplanade.

Events start on Friday, August 18 with the Pride Launch Party from 5 – 9pm featuring Cherry Liquor and Dawn the Drag Queen, DJ host Boom Party Live, and a variety of food and drink including the newly launched IW Pride Cocktail.

On Saturday, August 19, the Pride Parade starts at 12pm from Ryde School, heading down West Street, Lind Street, Union Street, along the Esplanade until it reaches the Pride Community Village in Eastern Gardens. Entertainment on the main stage boasts a fabulous variety of acts, including: Utmost Elton, MDNA – Madonna Tribute, Quivers, Diva-Licious ’90s show, star of The Voice UK – Amrick Channa. Topping off the celebrations will be DJ Woody Cook spinning tunes at 9pm.

The Pride Community Village will be open all day from 12pm on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20, including bars, a range of food stalls, local business and charity stalls and the all new Selfie Island featuring the Pride Unicorns!

IW Pride Plus, on Sunday, August 20, will start at 12pm in Eastern Gardens with all day entertainment hosted by island drag sensation Quivers, including performances from local theatre groups, Kylie and Dolly Parton tributes, Gay-Ties Revival Show, Promise to Love Ceremony and Starstruck – the Ultimate Years & Years Tribute.

Many island businesses and organisations have supported this year’s event including sponsorship from Ascensos, Hovertravel, Red Funnel, Ryde Town Council, Snows, Visit Isle of Wight, Wightlink and WRS Systems. Isle of Wight Pride was also the recipients of a National Lottery Community Fund grant.

Isle of Wight Pride 2023, a FREE event open to all, champions the importance of equality and diversity by highlighting the advances that have been made for the LGBTQ+ community in the UK and around the world, whilst also raising awareness of the prejudice and danger that many still face.

Isle of Wight Pride say: “The event is open for all to enjoy who share our vision for a world in which people can be their authentic selves with no fear of censure, judgement, inequality, or abuse, proving that ‘Love Wins’.

Isle of Wight Pride takes place on Ryde seafront between 5 – 9pm on Friday, August 18, between 12 – 10pm on Saturday, August 19, and between 12 – 7pm on Sunday, August 20.

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