Exeter Pride is returning for a celebration of LGBTQ+ diversity and visibility on Saturday 10 May this year.
A Pride parade with giant rainbow flags, singing, dancing and more will begin at noon in Sidwell Street, with more than fifty local organisations and community groups taking part.
Marchers will make their way along the High Street and Queen street to Northernhay Gardens, where there will be a bar and two stages showcasing local artists hosted by Roberta Calamari, Cleo Toris and Ginnie Dafuq.
Performances will include LGBTQ+ community builder and activist Al Head, Exeter-based singer/songwriter Rowena and Ukrainian drag artist Virina Flower, among others.
A family-friendly drag competition will also take place from 4pm.
15 Years of Protest: A History of Exeter Pride, directed by Simone Einfalt, draws on a newly-created archive of Exeter Pride photos, film and interviews to explore the event’s history and meaning.
Alongside the performances, more than sixty stalls will sell food, clothing and other goods from local makers and vendors with well-being groups and local charities offering information and advice.
Rougemont Gardens is to provide this year’s community space and family zone, with activities including painting drop-ins with Steve McCracken and Exeter Pride’s first ever dog show, beginning at 2.30pm. Owners can sign up to enter their dogs on the day.
Pride-themed activities will also take place at Exeter Phoenix, RAMM and Exeter Library, which will host a family-friendly banner, badge and flag making drop-in session before the march begins from 10am, then a range of family-focussed events for the rest of the day.
Exeter Pride 2019 in Exeter High Street. Photo: Naomi Parkinson.
This year’s event received a £20,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. The funding will contribute to the event’s significant running costs, enabling daytime events to take place free of charge, and will put the charity on a more stable financial footing.
Charity chair Russell Back said: “This grant will not only support this year’s event but enable Exeter Pride to rebuild its reserves and secure the charity for the future so the legacy of this event can continue for years to come.
“Our mission to provide representation and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Exeter and surrounding areas wouldn’t be possible without the strong support from our donors, sponsors, partners.”
Exeter Pride is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning plus (LGBTQ+) communities. It is one of the biggest free Pride events in the country.
BSL interpreters for performances and workshops are available and can be booked in advance via entertainment@exeterpride.co.uk or on the day at the Exeter Pride information desk.
Visit the Exeter Pride website to find out more.
