Love, unity, and acceptance will take centre stage this September as Bridgwater proudly announces its very first Pride Parade through Bridgwater town centre.
On Sunday, September 24th, the centre of Bridgwater will come alive with a vibrant burst of colours and lively celebrations, all echoing the resounding message, “Hold no hate – Choose love.”
The Bridgwater Pride 2023 Parade will be held in conjunction with the September edition of the Bridgwater Independent Market in Bridgwater Town Centre and will be open to everyone. The day will include a FREE Pride Parade through the centre of Bridgwater followed by a Pride street after-party for everyone to enjoy.
The fully inclusive, FREE community event will be open between 10am – 4pm and Bridgwater will come alive with the energy of live music and captivating drag acts, stiltwalkers and live music ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Michelle Beck, organiser of the Bridgwater Independent Market and the brainchild behind the Bridgwater Pride 2023 event said,
“Pride has grown significantly in recent years and we are aware that there has never been a Pride parade in Bridgwater although it is home to the world-famous Bridgwater Carnival. We wanted to host a community event where everyone feels empowered and valued, whilst also bringing people into Bridgwater Town Centre. Our Bridgwater Pride 2023 Parade will take place alongside the September edition of the Bridgwater Independent Market and will be a fully inclusive event where everyone is made to feel welcome.
We call upon the people of Bridgwater and across the wider Somerset to get involved in any way they feel they can by decorating shop windows, attending the parade, and embracing a day that everyone can enjoy and proud to be themselves.”
The event is being supported by the Animating Bridgwater small grant programme. The new events grant funded by Somerset Council’s Town Deal investment from Government has proved popular with local event organisers and is there to support organisations in their delivery of new events and activities that will draw people to the Town Centre and re-energise Bridgwater.