Portsmouth prepares for its most colourful event of the year

Momentum is building ahead of Portsmouth Pride’s event this Saturday, 10th June, which is expected to welcome thousands of people of all ages for a day of celebration and solidarity amongst the LGBTQ+ community.

The parade will meet behind The Briny at Speakers Corner at 11:30am and commence at midday, moving along the Clarence Esplanade towards Southsea Common. 

As individuals and groups march to celebrate the inclusion and diversity within the city, many will engage with the day as an opportunity to protest against the persecution and judgment the LGBTQ+ community continues to experience. 

Tally Aslam, the Chair of Portsmouth Pride, says the city's Pride organisation is ready to hold its biggest event yet.

She said: "Portsmouth Pride’s main event this year is set to be our biggest year and largest Pride event the city has ever seen. We are excited to welcome our community and allies to the event. Pride events like ours are important as they bring the LGBTQ+ community together, so we can be loud and be seen. 

“But while being visible, it’s important we recognise and celebrate the diversity of our great waterfront city. 

“I have been volunteering to support Pride over the years, and it’s amazing to come to a point in our journey where there is so much support from local businesses as well as our main partners Hampshire Boulevard,  Victorious Festival and Portsmouth City Council. Without their support and generosity, we couldn’t keep pride free.”

There will be music and dancing in the sunshine on Saturday, with food, a fairground, and market stalls available for attendees to enjoy. 

Portsmouth Pride is a free and unfenced event which welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to attend.

“We are proud to be the biggest free and unfenced event on the south coast, it is a testament to our volunteers who have worked so hard this year” Tally continued. 

She said: “There is an overwhelming joy at what we have achieved in such a short time. To see our event grow from a few hundred to more than 10,000 attendees last year is amazing, so here’s to Saturday.”

For further details about Portsmouth Pride and the work its volunteers are committed to achieving all year, go to portsmouthpride.org.uk