The first ever Cambridge Pride event on Saturday June 8 in the city centre will open with the UK’s first Pride river parade.
The event aims to break down barriers and celebrate the diversity of Cambridgeshire's LGBT+ community.
Cambridge's highly anticipated Pride event promises to be a day of music, cabaret, dance, spoken word, creative workshops and more.
It promises a celebration of the diversity and inclusion of the LGBT+ community in Cambridgeshire, which, according to the Office of National Statistics, has the country's second largest population of LGBT+ residents. From the county's population, 1.8 per cent identify as LGBT+, only topped by London at 3.1 per cent.
Taking place on Jesus Green in central Cambridge between 12pm and 10pm on Saturday 8 June and followed by after-parties at venues in the city, Pride is organised by volunteers in association with The Pink Festival Group charity.
The free event will be launched with a colourful punt flotilla on the River Cam, starting at Quayside at 11am and ending at Jesus Green Weir at 12pm.
Each punt will be decorated using a colour of the Pride rainbow flag, representing different aspects of the city's LGBT+ community.
The flotilla will carry members from local LGBT+ support groups, with each punt designed in partnership with local artists. The parade has been commissioned and funded by Cambridge City Council.
Lara Jaffey, chair of The Pink Festival Group, said: "A huge buzz is building around the first ever Cambridge Pride and we've been overwhelmed by the generosity and goodwill of volunteers and supporters.
"The long-awaited event creates an opportunity to celebrate our diverse community, while forging links in Cambridge and across the county. Pride also plays a role in promoting self-esteem by helping people strengthen their confidence through information and feeling part of this wonderful community.
"Approximately 15,300 people identify as LGBT+ in Cambridgeshire, but the community is often fragmented due to rural isolation and relatively scarce services and amenities. Pride also provides an important platform for advocacy and advice.
"Everyone is welcome on the day, so we encourage the public to come along and help break down barriers, fight discrimination and build social inclusion.
"Event volunteers have been working hard to ensure Pride visitors have an uplifting and inspiring day."
Funding has been provided by organisations including Cambridge City Council. Corporate partners include 'Gold' sponsor, ARM, and 'Friends of Pride' such as Bayer, Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and Encore Estate Management with more to be announced. In-kind support is provided by businesses including Satyam Yoga and Wellbeing Centre, University Arms Hotel and Enchanted Cinema. Donations from an ongoing crowdfunding campaign will support future Pride activities.
Cambridge Pride will see Jesus Green split into zones, with activities including:
- A line-up of local performers including band Keltrix and drag act Felicity Flaps on the Main Stage
- The Band Stand will host local DJs
- The Youth Tent will provide a safe, alcohol-free space for under 25s with creative workshops including the Great British Queer Bake Off
- The Pride Community Lounge offers performances, talks, comedy, spoken word and poetry
- Satyam Yoga and Wellbeing Centre will lead yoga, meditation and mindfulness sessions
- At dusk, Enchanted Cinema will provide an outdoor screening of international LGBT+ short films, programmed by 'Queers in Shorts'
A Pride after-party is taking place at Revolution Vodka Bar on Downing Street, Cambridge, for revellers over 18. Discounted entry is available to Pride attendees and for those who purchase tickets in advance.
Further details will be released in due course. In the meantime, follow @CambridgePride on Facebook and Twitter or visitwww.thepinkfestival.co.uk.
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