8th Exeter Pride event set to be biggest and most colourful yet

Exeter Pride returns for its 8th year on Saturday, May 7 and it will be the county's biggest and brightest celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other communities (LGBTQ+).

It is one of the most highly regarded Pride events of its kind in the South West and is being endorsed by key individuals and organisations.

Shaun Sawyer, the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “Devon and Cornwall Police is proud to support Exeter Pride.

"Supporting our LGBT communities is one of our core priorities. We want all people visiting our Force area to feel safe and welcome; whether they work, study, socialise or live here.

"We hope that by being part of Exeter Pride we will raise awareness of what hate crime is, how and where to report it and what support is available for victims.”

Lee Howell, Chief Fire Officer, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are again privileged to be leading the Exeter Pride parade with fire appliances from the city station.

"We represent diverse communities and our presence at Exeter Pride shows how much we value and respect people as individuals.

"The event always provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many differences that people have both in the community and in the workplace.”

Councillor Barry Parsons, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Performance and Engagement, said: “I’m delighted to see how big and popular Exeter Pride has become over the years.

"This year Devon County Council will be running a ‘chill-out space’ and showing films at Exeter Library, as well as flying the rainbow flags again from the Topsham Road flagpole and in the parade.”

Councillor Mrs Lesley Robson, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Exeter, said: “Every year the Exeter Pride parade is getting bigger and bigger and I am absolutely delighted to be taking part in this year’s event and supporting our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community by officially starting the parade.

"Once again, we will be flying the flag from the Historic Guildhall.”

The day will start with the annual parade, at 12 noon, from the St Sidwell's Community Centre on Sidwell Street.

The parade will feature old favourites Street Heat samba band, and the Great Western Morris dancers. New for 2016 are the North Devon Dogs Trust's "big yellow dog" and the Foster Careers Association's pink double ­decker bus.

The parade will also feature an impressive 50 metre rainbow flag, as well as individuals and representatives from groups from across the county.

More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in or watch the parade.

Events begin at Exeter Phoenix from 1pm and run throughout the afternoon.

There will be a drumming circle, ceilidh, youth and family zones as well as a host of workshops including self ­defence, circus skills, belly dancing and dedicated transgender workshops plus a panel debate.

Rougemont Gardens will again play host to the marketplace and health zone.  More than 50 local business and charities will be offering activities, games, information and plenty of tasty treats from a wide selection of food stalls.

Exeter Pride has this year expanded into Exeter Central Library where there will be a stall offering information on services across the region as well as screenings of LGBTQ+ documentaries and short films.

The evening entertainments kick off from 7pm with local acts and the amazing tribute act "Rogue Minogue".

The entire evening is hosted by the fabulous Anna Drenalin, who will also take part in the parade.

You will need one of the official Exeter Pride 2016 wristbands to gain entry to the evening activities which will go on until 1am!

Neil Clements, chairman, Exeter Pride 2016, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those who have helped make Exeter Pride 2016 possible.

"Without the generous donations and support of local business we wouldn't be able to run such a fantastic event.

"Equally important is the hard work all the trustees and committee have put in during the past 12 months, without which we wouldn't be able to run Exeter Pride 2016. We really need new trustees and volunteers to join the committee to help organise Exeter Pride 2017 so if you're interested or have an idea that you would like to see happen, get in touch with us at: volunteering@exeterpride.co.uk .

"Have a great Exeter Pride 2016!"

During the morning, from 8am to 10am, The Pride Show 2016 with Martin and Keri, will broadcast on Phonic FM.

Listeners will be able to find out what is happening and listen to some inspirational music.  The Show will also feature special Pride guests.  Tune in on 106.8 FM in Exeter and at: www.phonic.fm .

A Matins service (with a Pride focus), beginning at 9.30am, will take place at the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Dinham Road, Exeter EX4 4EB. Everyone welcome.

If you would like to volunteer for Exeter Pride, please email: volunteering@exeterpride.co.uk 

For more information, visit the website: www.exeterpride.co.uk  or email: info@exeterpride.co.uk 

For updates, go to /ExeterPride on Facebook or follow @ExeterPride on Twitter.

Photos: Alan Quick.