The new trustees of the Isle of Wight Pride charity have reached out to the local community and as a result have today (Thursday) announced that there will be an event this year after all.
Last month it was announced that the popular Pride get together had been axed for 2019 to allow focus to turn to 2020’s event as part of a 5-year plan. However, it has now confirmed that an event will go ahead in July this year.
The 2019 IW Pride will build on the legacy created from the Island’s first pride in 2017 and the hosting of UK Pride last year. The main event will take place in Ryde on Saturday 20th July 2019 with a Parade between 11:00-12:00.
Organisers are currently exploring with local businesses to see if any others events can be held by them on Friday afternoon/evening and also the possibility of having a second event on the Sunday in light of the absence of the Ryde Slide this year.
New Pride Trustee Laura Fraser said:
“It’s great news for all of us on the Isle of Wight, that we will once again be able to celebrate inclusion and diversity over the weekend of July 20th and 21st 2019. There is a lot of hard work ahead of us to make this happen and we will need to once again harness the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers to do this.”
Andy Newman, another new Pride Trustee, said:
“We are now looking to work with the businesses in Ryde to help us ‘Pride up Ryde’ for the weekend. We would like to thank everyone that has come forward to offer their time and skills for Isle of Wight Pride in 2019. We will be in touch soon.
Article continues below this advertisement “More volunteers will be needed over the next few months and particularly over the Pride weekend. We would ask anyone who thinks they can spare some time to help to please get in touch”.
Debbie Andre, who returns as Parade Director, said:
“Expect a colourful, spectacular parade to begin our IW Pride 2019 celebration on Saturday 20th July, as once again we all come together to show solidarity with the LGBTQI community on our island and across the world.
“A true expression of love and diversity to bear witness to the advances in equality for all here on our Island and in the UK, whilst recognising that in many countries across the world, people are still unable to be their authentic selves due to threat of punishment or death”.
