6th Exeter Pride set to be the biggest yet
The Lord Mayor of Exeter will sound an air horn to start the South West's biggest free celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in the region.
Councillor Rachel Lyons will, at noon, start the largest rainbow flag parade the city has seen as part of Exeter Pride on Saturday 10 May.
Preparations are well in hand for what will be the sixth Exeter Pride.
It promises to be the biggest, most colourful event to date with more than 2,000 people expected to take part in the parade down Exeter's High Street and attend a full programme of activities after the parade at Exeter Phoenix in Gandy Street.
Community groups, firefighters, police, students, trade union groups and individuals will be among those taking part in the parade.
The parade will include many people wearing colourful masks, made at recent workshops run by Exeter Pride.
It will also include Street Heat samba band, the Devon and Cornwall Police band and volunteers carrying a 50-metre rainbow flag.
All are invited to walk in the parade in support of Exeter's LGBT communities, groups or organisations are asked to register by email parade@exeterpride.co.uk
Roads will be closed along the route of the parade which, this year, will be longer to accommodate the large numbers who take part. It will start at Exeter City Football Club's Fountain Centre car park.
Events and activities at Exeter Phoenix will be family-friendly and include activities for children, young people and adults.
A full programme of events which will continue on into the evening will include a family zone, a Victorian Fair, a Market Place, a new Health Zone and the return of the popular drumming workshop, a ceilidh and a panel debate.
The theme of the Panel Debate is "After the Honeymoon: setting an LGBT Agenda for the future".
Chairman will be Shaun Dellenty, openly gay deputy head teacher at Alfred Salter Primary School in London and founder of "Inclusion for All", a charitable organisation that helps to effect organisational change in schools and other educational contexts to pro-actively prevent homophobic language and bullying.
Panelists will include Rebecca Cook, founder of LGBTransaction, an organisation that provides a comprehensive programme of support for trans people, their families and friends; Miranda Nicholson, Strategic Mental Health Project Worker for the Intercom Trust; Bridget Garood, a Specialist Family Lawyer at Cartridges Solicitors; a representative from Devon Partnership Trust and a representative from Devon and Cornwall Police.
There will be information from local and national organisations, demonstrations, as well as fun activities. Evening events include live music and DJs through until 2am.
Admission to some evening activities will be by wristband only, which are £3 from selected outlets.
Rainbow flags adorn some streets and buildings in the city to mark the event. There will also be some pre-Pride parties and some local radio stations are broadcasting Pride Radio Shows.
There will also be a "Pride on Campus" Day at the University of Exeter.
Tom Grigor, chairman of Exeter Pride committee, said: "Exeter Pride is a celebration of the the city and county's lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities.
"It is about us having pride in our contributions to not just a vibrant and diverse city, but all of Devon and the city and county having pride in us."
He added: "Exeter Pride would not be possible with generous donations from local businesses, organisations and individuals and the fundraising efforts of many volunteers.
"Together with generous sponsorship from our partners, we are able to keep all our daytime events, free-of-charge."
Tom added: "Volunteers are an important part of helping to make things run smoothly and more volunteers are still needed to help steward the parade as well as helping to set up at Exeter Phoenix.
"Anyone who could spare some time to help can make contact through the Exeter Pride website."
Devon and Cornwall Police chief constable, Shaun Sawyer, said: Devon and Cornwall Police are proud to support Exeter Pride as part of our commitment to service the LGB and T communities across Devon and Cornwall.
"We would also like to congratulate Exeter Pride on establishing this as a successful annual event."
Lee Howell, Chief Fire Officer of Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As a public service we have a strong belief in treating people fairly and with respect and challenging prejudice and discrimination.
"We welcome the opportunity to show this commitment by standing alongside the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community in this spectacular celebration of diversity.”
In addition to organising the Pride event, the committee organise a wide range of events and entertainment throughout the year to promote inclusivity, self-confidence and a sense of community in a supportive environment.
Further information about Exeter Pride on May 10 and other pride committee-organised events or to sign up as a volunteer, visit the website: www.exeterpride.co.uk or Twitter: @exeterpride or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrideExeter?fref=ts .
