Organisers of this year’s Nottinghamshire Pride have confirmed the event will be taking place virtually for the first time.
The event, scheduled for Saturday 25 July, will feature performances by Nottingham-based musicians Rob Green and Concrete Rose, as well as speeches from activists and city leaders.
The annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community has been taking place since 2013, but the charity Nottinghamshire Pride has had a presence in the city since 1997.
Leigh Ellis, chairperson at Nottinghamshire Pride, said: “We were disappointed to cancel our Pride event, however, we are committed to bringing the LGBTQ+ community and its allies together digitally, and we are so excited to be moving Nottinghamshire Pride online and venturing into the online world – a first for us.
“We have been busy behind the scenes planning everything and we can’t wait to reveal further details over the coming weeks.”
“Last year, more than 9,000 people lined the streets of Nottingham to take part in the parade, which marked 50 years since the Stonewall uprising – the moment that sparked the modern-day Pride movement,” he added.
“Nottinghamshire Pride is vital as it brings the LGBTQ+ community together in all its rainbow glory, right into the heart of Nottingham city and is a visible reminder of the contribution that LGBTQ+ people bring, while also giving us a chance to celebrate those who came before us to get us where are today.”
Rob Green, who has previously performed at Nottingham’s Splendour Festival and supported Michael Bublé on tour, has revealed his excitement at being involved in the event.
“I’m so excited and honoured to be taking part in this year’s Pride celebrations. I was so happy to hear that Notts Pride had found a way to safely bring us all together to celebrate our community and unite.
“It’s something that is needed now more than ever and it’s an honour to part of making this day extra special and a positive memory for us all.”
Nottingham City Council has also continued to support the LGBT+ community and has previously adapted its logo to include rainbow stripes, lit up the Council House with rainbow colours and painted a ‘rainbow road’ on Broad Street.
Councillor Rebecca Langton, portfolio holder for communities at Nottingham City Council, said: “Pride is always a wonderful celebration in our city and, while we understand the event will look and feel a bit different this year, I’m glad we’re still able to mark the occasion in a ‘virtual’ sense.”
More details surrounding the event will be announced in the coming weeks before the event. For more information on Nottinghamshire Pride or to get involved, please visit www.nottinghamshirepride.co.uk.
By Faith Pring
Featured image credit: Nottinghamshire Pride.