Photo: Folkestone Pride
Folkestone Pride has announced the ‘Pride Picnic’ on The Leas, Folkestone, will be taking place on Saturday 17th of July 2021.
But sadly, organisers have said that due to Covid, there won’t be a parade this year.
“Instead we want everyone to join us for a PRIDE PICNIC on The Leas. Dress up, pack a picnic, grab a blanket and come and celebrate community and diversity with Folkestone Pride! We’ll be serving live entertainment on the bandstand, more than a sprinkle of glitz along with a whole lot of rainbow love. “
In the evening, venues across Folkestone will be hosting amazing Pride parties.
Parties are already confirmed at the Waiting Room on the Harbour Arm and The Chambers with more in the pipeline!
The theme this year is Folkestone to New York!
In the weeks leading up to the 17th, the journey of the LGBTQ+ community from the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969 to the present day, will be highlighted Folkestone-wide with exhibitions, events and workshops.
The choice for this year’s theme follows a brilliant initiative by a collection of Folkestone Pride volunteers, who have been raising money by collectively biking, walking and running the 5,685.8 KM distance between Folkestone and New York, in less than three months!
People can still donate and support the team, helping make the PRIDE PICNIC and 2021 even better and brighter! Check out Ride and Stride for Pride.
Support Pride this year
There’s a call out for Folkestone businesses, charities and anyone else who would like to support Pride this year. Fly bunting and banners! Create a Pride display! Or why not sell rainbow ice cream or cup cakes and donate some of the profits to Folkestone Pride? If you run a venue, why not host a Pride-themed party? Please get in touch with us to register your interest asap – we’d love to hear from you!
Bean, Chair of Folkestone Pride says: ‘‘This is a time to come together, celebrate and embrace diversity and inclusion in our town. Despite a difficult year of covid restrictions that has limited our fundraising, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes and are very pleased to be hosting the PRIDE PICNIC. If you’re a local business or community organisation please do support us in any way you can. Following the enormous success of the last Folkestone Pride in 2019, we’re determined to once again make this a town-wide festival, and for everyone. Don’t forget to save the date and keep your eye out for our festival programming in the run up to Pride!”