Pride event is a first for Plymouth

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • May 2, 2007 - 10:26

The event will be modelled on Gay Pride festivals in London, Manchester and Brighton.

5 Comments on Pride event is a first for Plymouth

Gay pride is coming to the West Country, in the shape of plymouth prideevent 2007, a celebration of LGBT people in Devon and Cornwall.

The weekend, which will include a carnival, will be held in and around Plymouth on June 2nd and 3rd.

It is the first time that a large-scale pride festival has taken place in the South West, and thousands of people are expected to attend.

The event will be modelled on Gay Pride festivals in London, Manchester and Brighton.

Plymouth prideevent committee secretary Jan Netherton said: "This is an important step forward in celebrating diversity in Plymouth and the wider area of the South West served by the city.

"There are already Gay Prides in almost every major city in the UK and now there will be one in Plymouth for the first time.

"This is not about imposing any kind of lifestyle on others, it is about accepting people as they are from all walks of life and everybody having an opportunity to enjoy themselves.

"We have backing from organisations such as the city council and the police, LGBT community and support groups, and the support of a number of commercial sponsors who recognise the importance to the local economy of what is called the 'pink pound'."

She added: "Not everybody involved in the LGBT community is gay but everybody accepts we live in a changing and diverse society and they are accepting of, and welcoming to, people of all sexualities."

The activities planned include a rodeo bull, sumo wrestling, a bungee run, and live music and dance, as well as LGBT community support, advice, and information stands.

The Plymouth heat of Mr Gay UK will also take place in the city's Zeros nightclub, a five-a-side football tournament will be held at Marjon's, and there will be a walk and picnic at Mount Edgecumbe.

Anybody who wants to know more about the prideevent weekend should telephone the LGBT committee on 07753 339965 or email info@plymouthprideevent.co.uk.

Share this story with the world These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.