Vibrant explosion of colour to mark 10 years of Exeter Pride

THOUSANDS of people will show their support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities in the region by attending the 10th Exeter Pride event on Saturday, May 12.

Exeter Pride is one of the South West's biggest celebrations of the LGBTQ+ communities, and one of the biggest free Pride events in the country.
It promises to be an explosion of colour, positivity and pride - and everyone is invited to come out and celebrate.

A key annual event in the city's calendar, there will be a colourful rainbow flag March from the St Sidwell Centre, beginning at 12 noon (assemble at 11.30am), which will move down Sidwell Street, Exeter High Street and along Queen Street to Northernhay Gardens.

It will feature thousands of people, roller skaters, a fire engine, an ambulance, Morris dancers, police officers, representatives from community groups and organisations, and volunteers carrying a 50-metre rainbow flag.

There will also be a bus for those less mobile (not wheelchair accessible). Those who wish to ride on the bus should email: pr@exeterpride.co.uk  or telephone or text 07979 753571.

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Lesley Robson, will lead the march to the main stage in Northernhay Gardens, where a full programme of events and activities will take place.

Other events and activities will take place at Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Library and Rougemont Gardens.

There will be a marketplace, with a range of stalls, a health zone, workshops, film screenings, trans workshops, a ceilidh (2.30pm), drumming (4.15pm) and many other activities.

The Talk Zone will include two panel debates in Exeter Library.  From 2pm to 3pm the main debate will discuss Bi Visibility and from 3.15pm to 4.15pm the Youth debate will discuss The Gender Spectrum.

The main stage will include appearances by Spectrum Choir, The Loft Club, Freddy Parker, Lauren Harries, On My God! It's the Church! and The Ferrantes.

There will also be a showcase stage, which will include local talent acts, including cabaret, comedy, drag performance, spoken word and acoustic music.

Family-friendly events and activities will take place in Rougemont Gardens throughout the afternoon.

There will be information from local, national and international organisations, demonstrations and fun activities.

The celebrations will continue into the evening at Exeter Phoenix, admission by purchase of a £5 wristband.

The following day a "chill out" programme of events and activities will take place at Exeter Phoenix from 12 noon to 6pm.

Adam Rank, Chair of Exeter Pride, said: “There will be a real celebration feel this year.

"Being our 10th anniversary, it is the perfect time to consider how far we have come since Exeter Pride began.

"We work closely with a range of partners to stage the event, including Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, the University of Exeter, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, and local businesses.

"It would not be possible without generous donations or sponsorship from local and national businesses, organisations and individuals and the fundraising efforts and assistance of many volunteers."

He added: "For 2018 we added Cine Queer, a new film season celebrating love, life and LGBTQ+. Featuring new releases, cult classics, documentary, panel discussions, short film, international cinema and more, a cinematic celebration of diversity and acceptance.

"We have also expanded our cultural offer with an exhibition in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum of the last 10 years of Exeter Pride memorabilia in the Finders Keepers Gallery.

"For the first time Gandy Street has been licensed to allow for a real street party feel, with a drag catwalk competition."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will have a fire appliance at the front of the march and will also have a stall at Northernhay Gardens to attract potential recruits.

Chief Fire Officer Glenn Askew said: “Pride!  This is the word which sums up how Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service feel as a participant in Exeter Pride.

“The Service is extremely proud to support this event and demonstrate our commitment to celebrating the many differences that exist within our community and within our workplace.  We are committed to making Devon and Somerset a safer place to live, work and visit for everyone. Regardless of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender, gender identity or any other human characteristic. 

“We believe it is important to take part in the parade, celebrating together alongside other emergency services, community groups, partners and individuals.

"Remembering each one of us can make a difference but together we can make a change.”

Alan Quick, co-founder of Exeter Pride, extended thanks to all those who had supported Exeter Pride since it held its very first pride in 2009.

He said: "Without the support of previous trustees, volunteers, committee members, sponsors, partners and other supporters, and those currently involved, Exeter Pride would not have grown to what it is today.

"Year-on-year it has grown thanks to the active involvement of so many people.

"It really has helped Exeter Pride to fulfill its aims, to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit and in particular the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity through awareness-raising, advancing community education, and by holding an annual LGBTQ festival.

"While we are celebrating this year, we are keen to recognise and to educate on themes of LGBTQ history, LGBTQ contributions to culture, and awareness of on-going LGBTQ struggles in the UK and further afield."

Exeter Pride became a registered charity in 2015.

For further details visit the website: www.exeterpride.co.uk

 You can also follow on Twitter: @exeterpride or Facebook: Facebook.com/exeterpride