Bideford Pride returns this weekend and it’s here to stay

Bideford Pride returns this Sunday (August 18) with a big event in Victoria Park that organisers hope will lead to an annual fixture in the town.

It opens at 11am and will be a day out for all the family, with stalls, entertainment, music, a parade around the park, speeches and refreshments as well as children’s activities at the nearby Burton Gallery.

A grand raffle has been generously supported by many Bideford business and organisers are hoping the community will show a similar community spirit by going along to support the event.

Proceeds raised on the day will go towards hosting Pride again next year, as well as to Transilience, a local trans youth charity.

Above: Everyone in Bideford is invited to go along for Pride at Victoria Park this Sunday, August 18. Credit: Graham Hobbs

Bideford Mayor Rachel Clarke will officially open the event and she said it was about celebrating diversity in the town.

She added: “This is the first big Pride event for Bideford in years. As the first transgender Mayor in the South West, this is important to me and it's a big deal for Bideford.

“I want to celebrate the diversity of our community and I'd love to see the event be a great success, not just this year but annually.

“I've had a lovely new Pride gown made for the day and I'll be one of the guest speakers talking about my life experience. It's not all about me though, it's about the event and about the youngsters - they can be whoever they like!

“Bideford Pride is about love and compassion and a celebration of our diversity in Bideford.

“I hope Bideford stands out as a safe space for everyone to live in.”

Above: The Transilience charity will be supported by Bideford Pride this weekend. 

Organiser Natalie Fairbrother said the procession around the park would be at midday, to include a samba band, plus there will be performances from the Carry On Choir and others.

She said: “The main thing for us is to stress it’s a family event – it’s to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Bideford and North Devon, but it’s also raising awareness and changing attitudes through celebration.

“That’s by going there as an ally and going with your family and just enjoying the differences in our community. At the moment there are different groups for the LGBTQ+ community but we would like everyone to come together and recognise that Bideford is a safe, welcoming place.

“We are hoping for a really good turn out on the day and for it to grow as the years go on. It’s certainly not the first Pride in the town, but we want this to be the start of holding an annual event.”