News / Bristol Pride 2022
Bristol Pride Parade is back after two long years
After two long years of pandemic-led hiatus, the Bristol Pride’s annual parade will be returning to the city streets.
Taking place on Pride Day on Saturday, July 9, ahead of the festival on the Downs, the parade will begin from Castle Park before making its way through the city centre and along to the harbourside.
Alongside the colour and joy that the parade always brings, this year’s march will come with an added air of poignancy, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the first UK Pride march. The chance to gather and protest for the first time in two years will be particularly significant for Bristol’s transgender and non-binary community, as discussions rage on about the UK government’s deliberate exclusion of trans people from the long-awaited conversion therapy ban.
is needed now More than ever
“We are so excited for the march to be making its return this year,” says Eve Russell, Bristol Pride festival director.
“The pandemic has been an incredibly isolating time for many and during this time we have seen an increase in hate crime and now a watered-down ban on conversion therapy further dividing the community.
“It feels even more important than ever to be able to bring the community back together to celebrate and protest”
The 2019 Parade saw over 18,000 participants. Photo: Bristol Pride.
18,000 people took part in the 2019 march, and similar numbers are expected this year. The parade serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and diversity of Bristol’s queer community and sends a loud and clear message that hatred, prejudice and queerphobia do not have a place in our city.
Participation is free for members of the public- those marching will meet at Castle Park from 10am, departing at 10.45am. Businesses who wish to take part and support Bristol Pride can do so so by paying a small booking fee, details of which can be found on the Bristol Pride website.
A map showing the route of the Pride Parade
A shuttle bus service will run from the end of the parade route to The Downs, where the Pride Day Festival is taking place. The Pride Day event is the culmination of the full two weeks of Bristol Pride events and will feature top name performers including RuPaul’s Drag Race Canada winner Priyanka, music, the popular Pride Circus Tent, and the Pride Community Tent, featuring over 60 LGBTQ+ charities, organisations, support services and community groups.
Pride supporter wristbands are available now from £7 and come with a range of benefits including exclusive discounts and free bus travel on Pride Day.
Main photo: Bristol Pride
Read More: Bristol Pride Festival to return for 2022
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