Where: Queens Park, Drove Road, Swindon SN1 3AG
When: Saturday 12 August, 2023
Earlier this year, Swindon & Wiltshire Pride confirmed that Pride will be returning to Queens Park for a day of celebration, live music and fun for all the family. As part of a Pride week, which runs from Monday 7th August until Sunday 13th August, the Saturday outdoor event is free to all and has welcomed thousands of revellers from all ages and backgrounds over the last 15 years.
This year the event is showcasing a diverse line up of live acts including local talent and nationally known artists.
Among the special guests at the open air event are Eurovision stars Scooch who as well as their hit 'Flying The Flag' had four other top 40 hits. Another former UK entrant Nicki French will also be performing. Nicki also entered the charts with her club version of 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' and is a favourite of UK Pride events.
Also joining the lineup will be Ru Paul's Drag Race UK star Tia Kofi. The live singing Drag Queen shot to fame in Season Two of the reality competition and emerged as one of the fan favourites.
Local singer Jade Young has a passion for country music and will be showcasing a celebration of Shania Twain, whilst twin singing sensation Billy & Louie will be entertaining the audience with songs made famous by singers such as George Michael and Abba.
World Champion Beatboxer and multi instrumentalist Bellatrix will be performing as well as Drag King comedian and singer Don One.
Completing the line up are Spotlight Choir and dancers from Lawn Manor Academy.
In another national and local collaboration, the live stage show will be hosted by established Drag Queen Miss Jam Tart who hails from Bristol and local host Evie Em-Jay. Evie said, ‘We are really excited to showcase a diverse live show featuring artists from across our community. We hope all the community will support the event to once again celebrate love, inclusion and togetherness.'
The event is proudly sponsored by Nationwide and the committee are working together with South Swindon Parish Council to deliver the event.
Event manager Paul Stewart said, ‘We are so excited to be celebrating our 15th year in Queen's Park. We'd like to thank the 100s of volunteers who give up their time each year to support our event, a thank you to all the committee members past and present who give up their time to make pride happen and make our voice that little bit louder and of course the community."
'We would also like to thank the many sponsors and local companies that have supported pride over the years, and help to keep it a free and inclusive event. A special thank you goes out to Jo Sharpe, who led Swindon & Wiltshire Pride for most of our 15 year existence. Thank you Jo!'
This year sees the return of their Family Circus Zone, a fully licenced bar and a new addition of the Chill Out Zone. We are also happy to welcome back the sign language interpreters thank to Arval’s support.
The colourful Pride March is open to all and we are asking anyone attending to meet outside H&M at 11am. The main event will run from 11am until 6pm which includes a quiet hour from 11am-midday, after the event at Queens Park the celebrations continue at the official afterparty being held from 7pm at Battle Boom Bar.
Entry is free but to attend the event, and so that numbers can be monitored you will need a ticket which you can order here swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk/pride-2023