York Pride 2014 to feature TV stars, rock acts, parades and a party
Telly stars, rock bands and drag artists will join York councillors and hundreds of local people for York Pride 2014 – set to be the biggest yet.
The event on Saturday, June 21, is the annual celebration for York and North Yorkshire’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and will this year send out the clarion call: ‘Freedom to be openly LGBT whatever age you are’.
In the parade from York Minster to Knavesmire, people will carry the flags of more than 40 countries where people are not free to be openly LGBT, including Russia and – in the year of the Commonwealth Games being held in the UK – many of the countries within the Commonwealth.
Backed by City of York Council and sponsored by Benenden Health, the event also showcases the work York Pride does around the year “to make life – in schools, in work places and sheltered housing – better for local LGBT people,” said chair Greg Stephenson.
“Whether you are gay or straight please come and join us for the York Pride parade and send a message that York and North Yorkshire are tolerant places where people can enjoy their lives and participate fully in their local community – regardless of whether they are lesbian, bisexual, gay or transgender.”
Joining the party
A familiar face from Emmerdale, London’s Burning and Waterloo Road, TV star turned international lesbian pop star Heather Peace tops the bill.
Supporting are Angie Brown, the singer who topped the US dance charts and who recently appeared on BBC’s The Voice, plus Scottish boy-band Rewind, who have supported Connor Maynard and Little Mix.
Celebrated Cher tribute act Tania Alboni is also on the bill, as is Danny Cher Bailey, the glamorous Leeds diva and organiser of Drag Idol.
Variety is added by York rock band Memoriam and award-winning music producer and DJ Rory Hoy.
The event is again hosted by Miss Sordid Secret and DJ Marky Mark.
What’s on when
Saturday, June 21
Noon
Meet at York Minster for the Pride Parade. Council leader James Alexander will speak before the parade sets off at 12.15pm.
Crowds of local LGBT people will carry a 100m long rainbow flag through the streets of York, passing the Mansion House where a rainbow flag will fly to show the city’s commitment to gay rights.
1pm
The parade reaches Knavesmire, launching an afternoon of events led by the musicians mentioned above.
There will be a wide range of other entertainment plus stalls, a bar and a variety of food and drink options.
Night time
The party continues through the evening at Thomas’s Bar on Museum Street and at a courtyard party at the Nags Head on Micklegate, the official after-party venues.
The York Pride 2014 after party at Mansion on Micklegate kicks off at 11pm. York’s only gay bar, Monroe’s Showbar on Gillygate, will also have a full weekend of Pride events.
Wristband scheme
York Pride 2014 is free, but you can show your support by buying a wristband for £5 to contribute to the running costs.
The wristband also gives free entry into the Pride after-party at Mansion nightclub on Micklegate, and some restaurants will offer a discount to wearers.
- More details on the York Pride website and Facebook page
- See also ‘Thanks to York City I’m proud to call myself a gay football fan’
- See more York Pride stories here