Bristol Pride Parade to return this summer after two-year hiatus

Bristol Pride Parade to return this summer after two-year hiatus

Posted on: 14 Apr 2022

The much-loved Pride Parade will once again become a focal point of Bristol's annual Pride celebrations.

 

Bristol Pride organisers have confirmed the long-awaited return of the Pride Parade, set to be included in this year's programme after a two-year hiatus brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Taking place as part of Pride Day on Saturday 9 July, the route will begin in Castle Park before taking attendees through the city centre and onwards to the Harbourside. 

 

The most recent Pride Parade, which took place as part of Bristol Pride 2019, saw more than 18,000 people take part in a vibrant show of support for and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

 

 

This year's march will be particularly poignant - not only does it represent a chance to bring the community back together after a long period of difficulty, it also marks the 50th anniversary of the UK's first-ever Pride march in 1972.

 

Amid the backdrop of ongoing conversations surrounding the government's controversial part-ban on conversion therapy, this year's Pride celebrations provide an opportunity to remember that LGBTQ+ people across the country and around the world are still fighting for equal rights.

 

The Pride Parade will precede the 2022 Pride Day celebrations on The Downs, featuring a range of live musicians and performers across multiple stages.

 

Elsewhere on this year's Bristol Pride programme, Pride Comedy Night will return, a range of specially-commissioned theatrical pieces will be taking place across the city, Queer Vision Film Festival will be hosting a diverse selection of screenings, and the popular Pride Dog Show will make a welcome comeback.

 

 

Speaking on the confirmation of this year's Pride Parade, Bristol Pride Festival Director, Eve Russell, said:

 

“We are so excited for the march to be making its return this year. The pandemic has been an incredibly isolating time for many and during this time we have seen an increase in hate crime and now a watered down ban on conversion therapy further dividing the community.

 

“It feels even more important than ever to be able to bring the community back together to celebrate and protest.

 

“We mark the 50th Anniversary of the first Pride march in the UK and that LGBT+ rights are still being fought for, not only does the march serve as a reminder of that but it also gives the community the visibility to say, loudly and proudly we are here and we’re not going anywhere.”

 

For more information on Bristol Pride, to find out how you can get involved in this year's events programme, or to follow news and updates, head to the Bristol Pride website or find the team on Twitter.

 

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.