Pride events set to bring colour and celebration across the South West this summer
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Thousands of people across the South West are expected to take part in Pride celebrations over the coming weeks as towns and cities host parades, festivals, exhibitions and community events marking Pride Month.
Held annually throughout June, Pride Month celebrates LGBTQ+ communities while recognising the ongoing fight for equality, inclusion and human rights. Events across Devon, Somerset and Dorset are expected to bring together residents, visitors, community groups and performers in a series of celebrations highlighting diversity and acceptance.
The origins of Pride Month are widely linked to the Stonewall Uprising in New York City on 28th June 1969, when members of the LGBTQ+ community resisted a police raid at the Stonewall Inn. The protests that followed are widely regarded as a turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and helped inspire the first Pride marches a year later.
More than five decades on, Pride events are now held across the world, combining celebration with activism and visibility for LGBTQ+ communities.
In Devon, one of the first major events will be Torbay Pride on Saturday 13th June at Torre Abbey Meadows in Torquay. A Pride march will begin at Princess Gardens before heading to the main festival site, with organisers promising live music, food stalls and community-led activities.
Exmouth Pride will follow on Saturday 20th June in Manor Gardens, featuring a march from Sideshore, live performances, family-friendly activities and local organisations showcasing support services.
On Saturday 27th June, Dartmouth Pride will return for its sixth year, centred around Royal Avenue Gardens, with town-wide decorations, entertainment and community stalls.
The South West’s largest Pride gathering is expected in Plymouth on Saturday 11th July, when Plymouth Pride will see a parade march from the Theatre Royal to Plymouth Hoe, followed by a large-scale celebration on the Hoe.
In Somerset, the Taunton Brewhouse is hosting a month-long Pride exhibition throughout June alongside theatre, queer cinema and comedy events aimed at showcasing LGBTQ+ stories and creativity.
Martock Pride will also take place on Saturday 20th June, featuring cabaret performances under the banner “Y’all Means All”, with drag artists and live entertainment at the Parish Hall.
In Dorset, Sherborne Pride returns on Sunday 28th June for its second year, with live performances and family-friendly activities in Pageant Gardens.
Local political leaders have also highlighted the importance of Pride Month. Plymouth MP Luke Pollard ( seen pictured here with with partner ) said Pride continues to play a vital role in promoting equality and visibility.
Speaking about the significance of the month, he said: “June is Pride Month. I am really proud to be Plymouth’s first openly gay MP, and I have always been proud to campaign for better LGBT+ rights.”
He added that equality remained central to his work, saying he has “always tried to use [his] platform to highlight issues that make life difficult for folks that are part of the community.”
Reflecting on the challenges still faced by LGBTQ+ people, he said: “There is still a long way to go until every LGBT+ person can live openly, safely and love who they want. Which is why Pride Month matters so much.”
He also encouraged people to take part in local celebrations, highlighting that Plymouth Pride will take place on Saturday 11th July, and pointing residents towards Love Army HQ in Plymouth Market for information about Pride activities.
Organisers across the region say Pride events continue to offer not only celebration, but also a space for reflection on progress made and the work still needed to achieve full equality.
While attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people have changed significantly in recent decades, campaigners say issues such as discrimination, hate crime and mental health inequalities remain.
For many, Pride provides an opportunity to connect with others, celebrate identity and feel part of a wider community. Studies have consistently shown that visibility, acceptance and social support can have a positive impact on wellbeing, particularly for LGBTQ+ young people.
As more rainbow flags begin appearing across the South West, organisers hope this year’s events will continue to strengthen inclusion and understanding within local communities, while celebrating the diversity of those taking part.
( Photos: Pixabay Library / Luke Pollard MP / Threads 📸 )