It's time to show some Pride!

Saturday 08 September 2018

It's Guernsey's turn to host CI Pride, with a packed schedule of events all focused in central St Peter Port meaning easy access for everyone who wants to attend.

The day's events start with Yoga at Candie Gardens from 09:30 - which is also the place to meet for anyone wanting to take part in the parade to Market Square later in the day, where the main Pride party will be held.

For those wanting to enjoy a picnic lunch before the parade, you can gather at Candie Gardens from 14:00 with rainbow coloured flags and accessories encouraged.

Pictured: The rainbow flag which will be held high during the Pride parade 

The main parade will leave Candie Gardens at around 16:00, with a 50ft rainbow flag leading the way down Smith Street and the High Street towards the market. There are a number of events and attractions planned to take place in Market Square and the surrounding areas, with the parade due to arrive there at 16:30.

Among the entertainment planned for younger Pride guests are the Princess Project, a balloon man and a portrait artist. There will also be information stalls from The Orchard Centre, adoption services, the union Unite and Guernsey's teachers' union. 

There's going to be live music and refreshments available alongside a 'gay-ming zone' and festival hair dressers.

Fountain Street has been renamed 'Brokeback Fountain Street" with a bucking bronco being set up there for anyone who wants a go, while Rachel Ellektra will be djing at the official after party at Barbados nightclub. 

Pictured: Guernsey Police station ahead of Pride 

Ahead of CI Pride a number of businesses and organisations showed their support by flying rainbow flags in prominent places. That included the Weighbridge mast which had 35 different flags on display showing "the diverse range of sexual and gender identities that exist."

Ellie Jones, Liberate’s Vice Chair said "we are grateful to have been given this opportunity to share our all-inclusive message in such a prominent place. Flags represent an innate part of people’s identities whether that it where they are from or who they are. They send a powerful visible message that people are accepted and welcomed in Guernsey regardless of how they identify. And they encourage people to be proud of who they are.

"Although Pride is born of a need to fight for equality for the LGBTQ community, it is truly an event for all. This year we have added a youth and family zone and are looking forward to welcoming people from every sexuality and gender identity for a day filled with music, colour and fun for all ages."

Pictured: The 35 flags flying at the Weighbridge mast earlier this week

The theme for this year's CI Pride is #strongertogether with the organisers hoping for a good turnout.

The first Pride in Guernsey two years ago saw more than 2,500 people "celebrating diversity and inclusion," and the organisers said they hoped that 2018 will be just as successful, with the new #strongertogether theme encouraging even more people to attend.