Pride event returns to Weston-super-Mare 🏳️‍🌈

After three years without a Pride event in the town, Weston-super-Mare is preparing for the return of Pride — and organisers say this year’s celebrations are about far more than just one day in the park.

On Saturday 27 June, hundreds of people are expected to take part in a Pride march through Weston town centre before gathering in Grove Park for a free community celebration featuring live music, performers, food, stalls and family activities.

For event coordinator Sarah Hammond, the return of Pride to Weston feels especially important at a time when many LGBTQIA people are feeling increasingly uncertain about their place in society.

The Pride event will take place on Saturday 27th June (Photo: Supplied)

“Pride has always been about visibility and community,” she said. “For some people this will just be a fun day out with friends and family, but for others it’s about feeling accepted, supported and less alone. That really matters.”

The day will begin with the Pride March assembling at Princess Royal Square from 11.15am before making its way through the town centre to Grove Park. Organisers are encouraging people to register for the march in advance through the Weston Pride website.

Once the march arrives, Grove Park will transform into a full Pride festival running from 12pm until 6pm. Alongside live entertainment and community stalls, there will be dedicated quiet spaces, accessible facilities and activities aimed at making the event welcoming for people of all ages.

“We’ve worked really hard to make this feel like a community event for everyone,” Sarah said. “We want families to feel comfortable coming along, we want disabled people to feel able to access the event properly, and we want people attending Pride for the first time to feel welcome.”

One of the team’s biggest goals this year is improving accessibility. Weston Pride is currently fundraising for a raised viewing platform for wheelchair users, with supporters being encouraged to donate through the organisation’s crowdfunding page.

The celebrations will continue long after the daytime event finishes, with the official afterparty, Pier Pressure, taking place at Electric Banana from 9pm until 3am.

Organisers are also hoping people will support other Pride events taking place across the weekend, including the Pride Showcase at the Blakehay Theatre featuring drag performer Donna Marie as Gaga.

Sarah said the response from the local community so far had been overwhelmingly positive.

“There’s a real sense that people want this to succeed,” she said. “We’ve had local businesses, organisations and volunteers all stepping forward to help. After three years away, it feels really special to be bringing Pride back to Weston.”

Weston Pride also thanked sponsors including UNISON North Somerset, Weston Town Council, Weston College, and North Somerset Environment Company for supporting this year’s event.

More information, including march registration, tickets and accessibility details, can be found at www.westonpride.co.uk