As the LGBTI Pride season draws to a close in the UK, 6 Pride organisations – including the Isle of Wight – have thrown their hat into the ring to host UK Pride in 2018.
The first UK Pride took place at Pride in Hull in July. The event saw a huge increase in attendee numbers, and visitors from across the UK. Licensed by the UK Pride Organisers Network (UKPON), UK Pride is the national equivalent of EuroPride and WorldPride.
Exeter Pride, Folkestone Pride, Isle of Wight Pride, Liverpool Pride, Preston Pride, and Pride Cymru have all announced that they will bid for UK Pride 2018 at UKPON’s annual conference in Blackpool later this month.
Co-Chair of UKPON, Andy Train, who is also Vice-Chair of Pride in Hull, said:
At Pride in Hull we were delighted to have the honour of hosting the first UK Pride earlier this year, and it’s a tribute to the impact it had on our Pride to see six Prides bidding for next year’s event. The Pride movement is growing across the UK and we had more than 20 brand new Prides this year. UK Pride helps to create a focal point for one Pride each year, to help increase visibility and awareness.”
“UK Pride status is a unique opportunity and uplift for any Pride. I wish all six Prides all the very best of luck, and I can’t wait to see their bids”.
All organisers of Pride events in the UK are entitled to be members of UKPON, and each Pride organisation has one vote at the Conference.
Shayne Jackson, Youth Pride Committee Chair at Isle of Wight Pride said:
“A year in which the MP called gay people ‘dangerous to society’, prominent homophobic columns appeared in the local press and a Councillor suggested banning homosexuals from public toilets, 2017 saw the inaugural Isle of Wight Pride, uniquely taking place on a beach with thousands turning out in support. UK Pride status will enable the Island to build on this success and create a major celebration of diversity and inclusivity, showing the rest of the UK what an amazing place it is.”
Each Pride will have just 15 minutes to present their bid, and all are being invited to publish their bids online so that people can view them in advance.
The winning Pride will be announced at approx 15:00 on Sunday 22nd October.
