Nottingham's annual Pride parade will return next month - and organisers are hoping the turnout will top last year's record numbers. This year’s event has the theme of ‘Together’, with a focus on being present, celebrating Nottingham’s rich LGBTQ+ history, and marching for the future.
As with previous years, the celebration will kick-off on Saturday July 29 with a march at 11am, starting at Lister Gate. The colourful parade, which around 8,000 people took part in last year, will then make its way through the city to its home in Hockley.
Last year’s event hosted dazzling singers, dancers, speakers, performers and DJs on the stage in Heathcoat Street, Hockley, as well as over 50 market stalls in the city. Performers included the likes of Charity Shop Sue, singer-songwriter Rob Green, as well as a speech from Labour MP for Nottingham East, Nadia Whittome. Organisers have even more surprises in store for 2023’s event.
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Craig Martin, co-chairman of Nottinghamshire Pride, said: “Each year Nottinghamshire Pride acts as a vessel, embodying the diversity and love within the region’s LGBTQ+ community. After such a successful event last year, we’re really excited for this year’s event. Having the opportunity to host so many people without barriers or exclusion is such a privilege, and we hope to see lots of people there to celebrate with us again.
“From the march, to the amazing stall providers and incredible acts, the underlying message of this year’s event is for people to come together and join us as we celebrate the past, present and future. This year’s theme is a particularly important one for us too, as it serves as reminder of how far the nation’s LGBTQ+ community has come, and the journey we are still on. We have lots of great acts for this year’s event, so watch this space for more exciting plans to be revealed soon.”
Nottingham Pride, a non-profit event, has relied on the many volunteers who give up their time each year as march stewards, donation collectors and for general event support since its inception in 1997.
Leigh Ellis, chairman of Nottinghamshire Pride, said: “Nottinghamshire Pride would not be possible without all the people working behind the scenes to make the event as special as it is every year. We’re always looking for people to join our volunteers during the event, so if you’d like to support the cause, we’d encourage you to get in touch.
“As with every year, this year’s event is open to absolutely anyone who wants to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Our sole aim has always been to bring people together harmoniously in what is always an incredibly fabulous and vibrant day, but a day that primarily is about striving for equality, inclusion, and support for the many members of the LGBTQ+ community who call Nottinghamshire home.”
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