BASINGSTOKE is set to become a joyful rainbow of colour when the first Pride parade is held in the town this summer.

The colourful Pride parade on August 17 will include dancers, performers and music and will wind its way through the town to the Amphitheatre at Festival Place, where there will be entertainment, free family-friendly activities, stalls, music and more.

The LGBTQ+ community will welcome everyone to join in the flamboyant event, which will be a feast of colour, music and light, celebrating Basingstoke’s diverse community.

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Basingstoke Pride CIC is planning the event with support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, which has allocated funding from its Pride in Place Fund that helps local not-for-profit organisations deliver new and innovative projects to enhance the local community.

Mia and Vee, directors of Basingstoke Pride CIC said: "We're really excited to bring together Basingstoke's inaugural Pride Parade.

“We want to bring together the diverse community of Basingstoke, so our Pride will focus on being fun, colourful and family-friendly. We'll have plenty of music, local artists and activities for all, so we'll hopefully be bringing the entire community of Basingstoke together.

“We are so glad to have Festival Place involved. They have been so enthusiastic and supportive and the Amphitheatre is the perfect place to end the parade.

“Pride is an important statement for our town: that we are a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community. We're so proud of the group of volunteers that have helped make this happen, and the amazing support from the council and community leaders - it's testament to the idea that Pride can bring people together.

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“As residents of Basingstoke, we felt like we were missing that sense of community and we wanted to build those connections. We hope Basingstoke Pride will be the foundation of our LGBTQ+ family's growth.”

Festival Place marketing manager Sian Fisher said: “The Pride parade will be a spectacular way to celebrate inclusivity in our community, and we look forward to seeing people of all ages enjoying the free entertainment, activities and stalls that will be available at the Amphitheatre outside Vue on the day.”

Basingstoke Pride CIC was created in November 2023 and is made up of volunteers with a mix of experience, including event professionals who will bring their expertise to the organisation of the town’s first Pride parade.

The event will take place on August 17 between noon and 4pm, and there is still the chance for local sponsors and exhibitors to get involved.

To find out more, volunteer and register an interest, please visit basingstokepride.co.uk.