Bristol Pride unveil plans for virtual 2020 celebration

Bristol Pride unveil plans for virtual 2020 celebration

Posted on: 01 Jun 2020

Organisers have made the decision to move Bristol Pride 2020 online due to ongoing uncertainty regarding the coronavirus crisis.

 

Bristol Pride organisers have taken to social media to confirm that this year's festival will take place solely online, with artists, performers and speakers from across the LGBTQ+ community set to take part.

 

Now due to take place from 1 September to 12 September, Pride had already been rescheduled from its original summer dates following Bristol's city-wide cancellation of public events until the end of July.

 

The decision has now been taken to move online this year due to ongoing safety concerns.

 

 

One of the UK's biggest Pride events, Bristol Pride welcomes thousands of people to the city each year to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and bring people together in solidarity against discrimination.

 

As well as showcasing and celebrating a diverse and creative community, Pride is an opportunity for people to come together and overcome prejudice, reduce isolation and show LGBTQ+ people they're not alone.

 

In a statement released online this morning, the Pride team noted that the festival's core principles are even more relevant in 2020, as people are disconnected from each other and often in difficult circumstances during lockdown.

 

"It's important to note that many LGBT+ people, especially young people, are living through a lockdown with unsupportive families or housemates," they explained.

 

"As ever we want to ensure Pride still creates a place where everyone is welcome, everyone is visible and everyone is celebrated with joy, laughter and friendship." 

Alexandra Burke on stage at Bristol Pride 2018. Photo: Neil James BrainAlexandra Burke on stage at Bristol Pride 2018. Photo: Neil James Brain

 

Taking place online for the first time, Bristol Pride 2020 will still be made up of all the events and activities you'd find at the full festival, including a film festival, comedy night, live music and DJ sets, family and wellbeing activities and much more.

 

The digital celebration will culminate in a virtual parade on Pride Day, featuring performances from the full range of artists that would have appeared on stage at The Downs.

 

Attendees will also be able to access a showcase of all the stalls and groups usually found at the festival's community area on Pride Day.

 

The Bristol Pride team will be sharing content and activities for the community to get involved in during the buildup to the festival's original dates in July, with a chance for people to record footage and take photos for use in the virtual parade.

 

 

"This was not an easy decision to make," organisers added this morning. "We’ve closely followed the developments with Covid-19 and carefully considered the impact this will have on our community and our ability to deliver the festival.

 

"We consider the health and safety of our attendees, staff and city of upmost importance and with a restriction on mass gatherings looking to continue, we’re just not able to deliver a physical festival this year.

 

"But Pride is such a vital part of many people’s lives, the show must go on and we’re really excited and energised at the thought of mixing it up and delivering a great show online."

 

For more information on Bristol Pride 2020, to find out how to get involved or to follow news and updates in the coming weeks, head to the official Bristol Pride website or check out their Facebook page.

 

Main Image: Dan Regan

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.