Northampton Pride Festival: Coming together to celebrate diversity
Culture and tourism16 August 2021
West Northants Council and the Northampton Pride Committee are delighted to announce the Northampton Pride Festival will be taking place in Northampton on Sunday, 12 September.
Due to the pandemic the festival was held virtually last year, but the event organisers have been busy planning an exciting line up of live performances for this year’s event. The event will run from 11am to 4pm, with most of the activities focussed on the Market Square.
The Pride Parade, which promises spectacular sights and sounds, will set off from the top of Abington Street (BBC Radio building) at 11am, arriving in the Market Square at around 11:15am, when the event will be officially opened with a minute of noise. There will be a range of acts to keep you entertained throughout the day including: R&B singer Daniel Molyneaux; drag artist Peachy Rae; 5-piece band Afreine and spoken word poet Sami SET.
Councillor David Smith, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Engagement at West Northants Council said: “We are delighted to be able celebrate Pride with this event, especially after so many events were cancelled last year. “Pride is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come towards equality. It’s about communities coming together in celebration, protest, unity and solidarity. “This event really is a wonderful team effort and there really is something for everyone from face painting to rock bands! I would encourage you all to come along and celebrate diversity across West Northants.”
Matthew Toresen co-chair of the LGBTQ Forum said: “I'm thrilled that Northampton will be hosting a physical Pride event this year. Lockdown has been tough for everyone so will be an opportunity to get together with old friends and a chance to make new ones. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on the 12th."
The Grosvenor Centre will be providing a quiet space on the day with support available from the voluntary mental health charity the Lowdown, for anybody who is feeling overwhelmed, anxious or in need some confidential help and advice.
The Northampton Pride Committee includes members from West Northants Council, the Northampton LGBTQ Forum, Northants Police, the University of Northampton, The Lowdown, QSpace, NHFT, Grosvenor Shopping Centre, BID, Delapre Abbey and Northampton Town Council.