Hello, all!
We hope you’ve had a wonderful Pride month! June saw some fantastic events taking place all over the world; it’s clear to see the outpouring of love and support that goes into each event from both organisers and attendees, celebrating diversity, inclusivity and freedom. But before we flip through the calendar at what’s happening for the month of July, we thought we’d take a look back at some of the local celebrations that took place last month!
Although the 7th June was a rainy day, Oxford Pride’s attendees and performers created their own sunshine with yet another wonderfully successful event! The day began with the parade taking place through the heart of Oxford filled with flags and banners of support, cementing that Pride is not just a celebration, it’s a protest and a march for freedom, equality and fighting unjust prejudice against LGBTQ+ people.
(Images: OxfordPride)
Later, performers such as local legend Ace brought their incredible vocals to the stage, with the electric Danny Beard headlining in the evening, even stopping to take some fabulous selfies with fans during the show. It’s clear that the charity-lead event continues to go from strength to strength, continuing to provide inviting and safe spaces for the community all year round. Click HERE for more information on Oxford Pride, alongside their help and support services.
The 21st saw Rugby’s pride event take place with a march beginning in the town centre, one filled with rainbows, placards and tons of support and love. Their destination was Caldecott Park where a community picnic was taking place and, thankfully, the weather held up unlike it’s previous year.
(Images: Warwickshire World/MSN/Patrick Joyce)
Over a whopping 200 people were said to be in attendance and it’s clear that come rain or shine, Pride events such as these are not only an incredibly important and a reminder of why they began, they’re also ones filled with joy and celebration – it really is wonderful to witness so many events growing year on year!
What’s On 🗓️
Before we head into what’s happening a little closer to home, some of you may want to head out into the city to celebrate!
Pride in London takes place this Saturday 5th July, with the parade starting at Hyde Park Corner, through Picadilly Circus and finishing at Whitehall Place. There are a number of stages throughout the event packed with electric performances, all of which are free to attend. Everything is due to begin at 12pm, so be sure to get there early to secure your places! With entertainment, food, drink, family zones and safe spaces, Pride in London is due to be another roaring success. For more information, be sure to click HERE.
(Image: Warwickshire Pride)
As for something right on our doorsteps, Stratford-Upon-Avon sees the return of their annual Pride event taking place on Saturday 12th July. The meet for the parade begins at 11.30am at the Shakespeare fountain on Rother Street, beginning the march at 12pm in Wood Street, coming to a close at the Bandstand for a wonderful community picnic with riverside views.
There will be stops along the way, one being outside the Royal Shakespeare Company, more commonly known as the RSC. This year, the RSC are hosting their first ever Pride guided tour; they explain via their site what you’ll be able to discover:
“Walk around the RSC’s creative spaces and hear all about the LGBTQ+ history of William Shakespeare’s life, influences and plays by joining us on our first ever Pride Tour, in conjunction with Stratford Pride Weekend.
What were the stories that influenced Shakespeare’s Queer love stories? Who else may Will have been writing about and to? And what other LGBTQ+ stories does the RSC continue to tell? This premier tour is a delve into plots, poems and prominent playwrights from within the company’s past, present and future.”
(Image: RSC)
Due to be both insightful and incredibly interesting, the RSC’s Pride Guided Tour is not to be missed so be sure to grab your tickets as spaces are being filled! Slots are available for both Saturday 12th July and Sunday 13th July; for more information and how to book, click HERE.
Post-picnic from 3pm to 6pm there’s even more to enjoy as the RSC have set up a designated space for Warwickshire Pride and their attendees in The Other Place and Swan Gardens, offering a space to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. For further information, be sure to check out Warwickshire Pride’s event page for Stratford-Upon-Avon HERE.
You can also find out more about the wonderful work and support that the team at Warwickshire Pride provide for many, HERE. The charity group offer vital resources and services around Warwickshire, offering accessible, safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people across the county. Supporting and standing strong with our LGBTQ+ friends and loved ones is more imperitive than ever. Alongside the joy and celebrations, let’s continue to use our voices to speak against injustice and hatred on this continual fight for freedom.
For what’s happening in your area and around the world, Pride Events and IGLTA have extensive lists of what’s on, so be sure to check those out. Individual event pages also have some in-depth guides on what’s happening throughout the day or weekend, and others with fab tips on what to take with you and how to stay safe when travelling to, from and during events.
Wherever you may be, please remember: you are seen, you are heard, you are valued and you are loved.
We’ll return next month with more events as Warwickshire Pride will return to the Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️✨