16th annual Pride event returns to Bradford
It promises to be an extravaganza of music, comedy, poetry, and art.
Pride returns to Bradford District as organisers get ready to host a mix of face-to-face and virtual events.
The 16th annual Bradford Pride gets underway this week with a month of fun, engaging, educational and family friendly events.
Bradford Pride is a celebration of the district’s LGBTQ+ community and promises to be an extravaganza of music, comedy, poetry, and art.
With the recent easing of COVID-19 restrictions, a number of this year’s events will take place in person in ways which are COVID-safe, however there will still be a range of online and virtual events.
Bradford city centre will also be lit in traditional LGBTQ+ rainbow colours throughout the month, with city hall, Margaret McMillan Tower, Forster Square arches being lit up along with city park.
The inclusive Pride flag will also be flown at Centenary Square in front of City Hall.
Some of this month’s highlights include:
• Silent Disco Tours (1 June) - A silent disco with a difference! A social distanced conga through the streets of Bradford with an awesome soundtrack, easy to follow dance moves and plenty of encouragement. Tours start from 7pm outside Al’s Juke Bar, Darley Street. Each tour takes 15 minutes with COVID secure measures in place. Find out more www.lifeandsoulseeker.com
• Picnic in the Park (2 June) - Join Pride and Joy playgroup for an LGBTQ+ friendly picnic group session, where you can meet other families, have fun and share your pride and joy! (Bring your own picnic!). Takes place at Wibsey Park.
• Bradford Fostering LGBTQ+ information event (2 June) - An online info event for people in the LGBTQ+ community interested in finding out about fostering in the Bradford district with the fully inclusive and supportive Bradford Fostering agency.
• Fringe at Pride (16 June) - A night of queer comedy hosted by Bradford’s own Isma Almas. The event will give a platform to LGBTQ+ comedians from across the north.
• Launch of Peace OUT+ Digital Exhibition (19 June) - The Peace Museum will be launching a digital version of our exhibition Peace OUT+ which explores LGBTQ+ peacemaking on their website www.peacemuseum.org.uk.
There will also be a range of Public Health England events aimed at health and charity professionals to help them better understand the health needs of LGBTQ+ people.
The 19 June will also see the main Bradford Pride day event. Details of this are still to be announced so make sure and keep an eye on social media and the Equity Partnership website for more information.
Leon Fleming, Chair of the Pride Committee, said: "I'm very proud of the hybrid nature of the Bradford Pride Festival the team have put together this year. This fusion of physical and digital has come out of a determination of the LGBTQ+ community of Bradford to visible and proud.
“This year's Bradford Pride is able to take place because of support from Bradford Council, but also its new headline partner Morrisons, and the continued support of its partner Yorkshire Building Society. Thanks to our other sponsors and supporters who make sure Bradford Pride is able to happen year after year.”
Cllr Richard Dunbar, LGBTQ+ Champion for Bradford Council, said: “We’re really excited to see the return of Bradford Pride events to the city centre for its 16th year.
“Last year we held an amazing, virtual Pride which was a success despite put together under difficult circumstance, but we’re delighted that Bradford’s LGBTQ+ community will be able to meet in-person once again.
“Bradford has a growing reputation as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in the UK and our Pride event is a celebration of the best of our ever-growing and diverse LGBTQ+ community. It’s a showcase of music, art and comedy but is also about empowerment, education and campaigning against the injustices which are still unfortunately felt by many on a daily basis.
“This year’s Pride will be an opportunity for those inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community to reflect, celebrate and campaign, but most importantly of all, to have fun! Happy Pride everyone!”
The Leader of Bradford Council, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “We’re delighted that Bradford will once again host Pride. Bradford District has always had an active LGBTQ+ community who contribute massively to making our city the diverse, inclusive and welcoming place it is now known as across the country.
“Thanks to all the organisers for pulling this year’s event together. I would encourage everyone who is attending one of the in-person events to celebrate safely.”
Headline Pride Partner Morrisons, said: "We're passionate about making good things happen for Bradford and the LGBT+ community, and we're honoured to be part of this great event. On behalf of everyone here at Morrisons, Happy Pride"