Exciting plans for a week-long Exeter Pride 2019

TRUSTEES and volunteers working hard behind the scenes are proud to announce that Exeter Pride in 2019 will take place on Saturday, May 11 and will be part of a wider week of events in the city.

Exeter Pride is one of the South West's biggest celebrations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning plus (LGBTQ+) communities, and one of the biggest free Pride events in the country.

It is a key annual event in Exeter's calendar and exciting plans are being made for the 11th annual event.

It will include a colourful rainbow flag march through Exeter, and volunteers are wanted to help carry the enormous 50-metre rainbow flag.

The march will include a fire engine, an ambulance, police car, dancers, music and much more.

Representatives from community groups and organisations as well as individuals will also be taking part to show their support.

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Rob Hannaford will lead the parade and will officially open the main stage at the end of the march.

Entertainment will include live bands and cabaret acts on two stages and there will be a marketplace with more than 80 stalls.

There will also be a health zone, family zone, workshops, film shows, panel debates, trans workshop, ceilidh and much more.

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

Adam Rank, chair of Exeter Pride committee, said: "Exeter Pride is a celebration of the city and county's LGBTQ+ 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 without generous donations from local businesses, organisations and individuals and the fundraising efforts of volunteers.

"We are currently welcoming approaches from those who would like to get involved as volunteers, have a stall or be a partner or sponsor."
To get in touch, email Adam: chair@exeterpride.co.uk .

Alan Quick, the co-founder of Exeter Pride, said he was delighted how the annual event had grown since the very first Pride in the city in 2009.
He extended thanks to all those who had supported Exeter Pride since it began.

He said: "Without the support of previous trustees, volunteers, committee members, sponsors, partners and other supporters, as well as those currently involved, Exeter Pride would not be the tremendous annual event it is now.

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

"Those people have helped Exeter Pride fulfil 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.

"Whilst Exeter Pride is a celebration of how far we have come with regards to equality, the charity is also keen to recognise and to educate on LGBTQ+ history, contributions to culture, and raise awareness of on-going LGBTQ+ struggles in the UK and further afield."

For further information, visit the website: www.exeterpride.co.uk  or follow on Twitter: @exeterpride or Facebook: Facebook.com/exeterpride