Thousads  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.

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.

Listings:

All of the daytime events are FREE to attend until after 6pm, when you will need to purchase either an Anniversary Wristband (£10) or Evening Entry Wristband (£5) to enter Exeter Phoenix for our evening entertainment.

TRANS ZONE (1st Floor Phoenix)
Safe Zone from 13:00
Bottle Bar & Social space with complimentary teas and coffees.
Dedicated changing room with FREE makeup and skincare advice from Body Shop and hair/wig advice.
Workshops from 14:00

AUDITORIUM (Phoenix)
14:30 Ceilidh
16:15 Drumming Workshop
21:00 Baby G and the Missionaries
Drag cabaret act with full band, not to be missed!
22:00 – 02:00 Magic Hatstand
Live DJs with multitude of fabulous hats and glitter galore!
**Wristband required for entry after 6pm

TERRACE (Phoenix)
From 14:00 Music from DJ Louie Louie, continuing in the Café Bar from 18:00
**Wristband required for entry after 6pm

CINEMA (Studio 74 Phoenix)
15:00 – 16:35 Best of Iris 2017: LGBTQ+ Short Film Programme

TALK ZONE (Library)
14:00 – 15:00 Main Debate – Bi Visibility
15:15 – 16:15 Youth Debate – The Gender Spectrum

FESTIVAL ZONE (Northernhay Gardens)
MAIN STAGE
14:00 Spectrum Choir
14:30 The Loft Club
15:00 Freddy Parker
15:30 Lauren Harries
16:00 Oh My God! It's the Church!
17:15 The Ferrantes

Wide range of stalls and food vendors with a fully licensed bar operated by Oddfellows. With strolling performers, Taiko drummers, bouncy castles, body paint & much more!

SHOWCASE STAGE (Marquee outside Phoenix)
14:30 – 21:00 Local Talent Acts
An array of performances from local acts; including cabaret, comedy, drag performance, spoken word and acoustic music.

CHILLOUT SUNDAY
On Sunday 13 May Phoenix will be open from 12pm until 6pm with BBQ, live music, films and relaxed tunes. We will be announcing the results of the prize draw so if you have bought a raffle ticket then make sure to come along.

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

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