At last – thanks to the efforts of a lot of determined and enthusiastic people – Bath is to get a ‘Pride’ event!
The city’s celebrations will be happening on Sunday, 18th August, starting at 1200 at the Holburne Museum – located at the Sydney Gardens end of Great Pulteney Street.
During the day from 12:00-17:00 there is a family picnic, which will include live music acts, charity stalls, and an opportunity for people to sit and enjoy the summer weather.
Then, from 13:00-14:00 there will be a Pride march through the city centre.
Everyone is welcome to join the march to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community, to raise awareness, and to advocate for equal rights for queer and trans individuals. Larger groups who would like to march together can sign up on the Bath Pride website.
The official afterparty will be a WIG! drag cabaret from 18:00 at Komedia, featuring local drag performers and the winner of Bath Drag Performer of the Year.
Tommy Parker, Bath Pride Organising Lead, has said “It’s so exciting to have our first major Pride event in the city. Pride occurs in cities up and down the country, and it is long overdue for Bath to have a pride event to call its own.
We have organised a variety of events to cater to everyone. Giving an opportunity for queer people in Bath to show their pride, and advocate for equality and justice, is so important. Hopefully Bath Pride 2024 is the start of a regular feature of our city.”
Katie Skinner, who is Chair of the Trustees told Bath Newseum: “I’m so thrilled to be a part of creating an enduring Pride celebration for the city of Bath. Bath is well known across the world for its history, but our rich queer history is often overlooked. We want to celebrate Bath’s LGBTQ+ population; historically, in the present day, and for those who will come after us.
We are aiming to host a range of events to appeal to a broad spectrum of people, and celebrate that Bath has always been home to queer people, and always will be.”
Diomede, the winner of Bath Drag Performer of the Year, has said “I am so excited to perform at the first official Bath Pride. There are so many talented queer artists in Bath, and giving the opportunity to showcase the vibrant and thriving drag community is both humbling and thrilling.
Our city has so much to be proud of, and one of those is the active queer community we have. Having an event like Bath Pride to bring everyone together is important not just for LGBTQ+ people, but the wider community.”
