Leicester Pride is gearing up for its annual celebration with a new parade route, set to kick off on August 31st at 12pm. Starting from Humberstone Gate, the vibrant procession will wind its way through the city, culminating at the New Pride Celebration venue, Abbey Park.
The Purpose of a Pride Parade
Pride parades serve as powerful platforms for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate their identities, raise awareness about issues affecting the community, and promote equality and acceptance. They are a visual representation of unity, diversity, and resilience.
Why Pride Parades Are Still Relevant Today
While significant progress has been made in LGBTQ+ rights, there is still work to be done.
Pride parades continue to be essential for:
Visibility and Empowerment: By marching together, LGBTQ+ individuals and allies demonstrate their presence and visibility, sending a message of inclusivity and support.
Advocacy: Parades offer opportunities to raise awareness about important issues such as discrimination, hate crimes, and access to healthcare.
Community Building: They foster a sense of belonging and connection among LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, creating a supportive community.
Celebrating Diversity: Pride parades celebrate the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing the wide range of identities and experiences.
Important Note: Please note that alcohol consumption is not permitted on the parade route. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Leicester Pride Moves to Abbey Park
A New Venue for a Bigger Celebration
Leicester Pride has announced a significant change for its 2024 event: the move to Abbey Park.
This larger and more versatile venue is expected to enhance the overall experience for attendees.
Abbey Park's layout offers a more suitable environment for accommodating a variety of attractions and activities. With ample space, organizers can create a more immersive and enjoyable atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
Two Entrances for Easy Access
To ensure smooth entry and exit for visitors, the event site will feature two entrances: one from Charter Street and another from St Margaret's Pastures. This will help to manage crowds efficiently and provide convenient access for attendees.
The decision to move to Abbey Park marks a new chapter for Leicester Pride. With a bigger and better venue, organisers hope to create an even more memorable and inclusive celebration.
Security
Glass, alcohol, drugs and sharps cannot be brought on site
Bag searches will be carried out on entry
Challenge 25 will be operating across all bars, so don't forget your ID
There will be plenty of loos.
There will be a free bus service operating from
the Rainbow Dove to Abbey Park.
What's Happening at Abbey Park?
THE MAIN STAGE
Performances from
Now I'm Here Queen Tribute
Absolute Britney
The Dolly Show
and
ROBBIE LEWIS
JAX INSPIRED BY ADELE
JACK DRAPER
SUPERYOU FT VICKI MANSER
NICOLE FARADAY
LGBT CHOIR
The Helsinki Dance Arena (1000 capacity)
Includes DJ's from Gaydio Radio
ANDY SMITH
CHRIS BLACKMORE
GARETH HAZARD
THE SATURNOS
FANNY BURNS BINGO
KIRK FOWKES-GOODWIN
DOVER CASTLE DRAG MARATHON
LADY IMELDA
LOLA LASAGNE
FANNY BURNS
HOSTS & SPEAKERS
LEA MARTIN
MARTY SMITH
ZANDER MURRAY
Zander Murray is the UK’s first openly gay professional footballer. He played for Bonnyrigg Rose, a Scottish Professional Football League club in League 2. The striker has scored 100+ goals and holds the club record for number of goals scored in one season at his former Gala Fairydean Rovers
KATIE NEEVES
Katie Neeves is a Leicester woman on a mission – but not just any woman and not just any mission! She lived for 48 years as a successful male photographer, while struggling with her gender from the age of three and hiding her big secret to the world. Until one day, enough was enough and Katie came out to the world via social media. Katie has gone on to form Cool2BTrans to support and inspire other trans people, and to educate everyone that trans people are just ordinary people who want to be happy – just like everyone else.
KEVIN NCUBE
Leicester Pride Guide: All you need to know and a thank you to all the sponsors
www.leicesterpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Pride-Guide-2024.pdf
Why not have fun at Billy Bates & Sons Funfair
Visit the Market full of stalls offering information and support service,
there is also an opportunity for a little shopping and more.
There are plenty of bar and food stalls.