It's that time again! Victorious is this weekend and I have just heard that Portsmouth Pride is returning!
Big thanks to the Pride Team who I spoke to last week. I enjoyed finding out a bit more about this upcoming event.
Last year was the third year and the biggest Pride event Portsmouth has held. In my view the event last year seemed really well promoted (it was the first one I had actually heard about). However, as a non attendee, from what I saw it did seem more like another festival rather than a Pride event.
This year there is a whole new committee of volunteers leading the event organisation and a much smaller budget. Potentially this could mean (again in my opinion) that the event has a slight refocus and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community more and thinks less about just making this a big event.
The Pride Team were delighted to tell me about the amazing support from Portsmouth City Council's Events Team, Councillor Linda Symes, Hampshire Boulevard, Wedgewood Rooms, Cherry Liquor and Foxes Burlesque Troupe. They, along with the volunteer committee, have ensured there is a Pride event this year. So a big big well done to those people!
I was pleased to hear the Pride Team mention that "Pride is not only for the LGBTQ+ community, we aim to create a safe space for everyone regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race and disability. We are incredibly proud of Portsmouth and we want to showcase this".
All of the event details are available on the Portsmouth Pride Facebook page. But the basics are: Saturday September 16th.
Parade, 10.30am at South Parade Pier.
Main event, 12 to 4pm at the Bandstand.
There will be loads of local groups, support, information and performers (including drag, cabaret and burlesque) making this a real community event.
The Pride Team are looking to grow the volunteer team. So if you would be interested in helping out with with the professional side of social media or booking, or the on the day support with tasks like marshalling, then contact them via Portsmouthpride@outlook.com.
I am really looking forward to attending my first Pride event on the 16th September to celebrate all things LGBTQ+ and hope that as many of you as possible around Portsmouth can make it.