Sunday 28 August will see ‘Pride’ return to Croydon for the first time in decades.
The event will be a celebration of the local LGBT+ community with music, dance, food, drink and fun for everyone.
Croydon Pride Fest will take place on Sunday 28 August on Surrey Street, starting with a parade down North End, led by ‘Rainbows Across Borders’. The parade will be followed by music, dance and other activities into the evening.
Legendary cabaret act, ‘Topping and Butch’, known for their Edinburgh Festival and Radio 4 appearances, will be one of the headline performers.
There will be plenty of food and drink options, including beers from Crafty Group, the team behind the successful Crafty Purley and Croydon Craft Beer festivals. A family area with lots of fun things to do will keep the youngsters happy. Croydon Pride Fest will an event for anyone form Croydon’s diverse community to enjoy.
“Bringing Pride back to Croydon has long been an ambition of mine, and with the backing of so many local businesses and community organisations this is going to be a wonderful celebration. Croydon is the most populous borough in London, but the LGBT+ community has often been under-represented, but now Croydon has its first openly gay Mayor it’s the perfect opportunity to show off the amazing diversity we have. The festival will ensure that Surrey Street is even more colourful and vibrant than usual, with a range of activities and events for everyone to enjoy. ”
Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for economy and jobs
There will be stalls, exhibits and information on offer from local LGBT+ and community organisations, including: CAGS (Croydon Area Gay Society); Aurora, Croydon’s LGBT Police Consultation Group; Rainbow Across Borders; Transpals; Croydon LGBT+ Network Group.
David Page, Chair of CAGS (Croydon Area Gay Society) said: “CAGS was proud to take part in Croydon Pride events over 20 years ago, and we are delighted that Pride is once again being celebrated in Croydon. We look forward to carrying our banner in the parade, and welcoming the people of Croydon at our stall in Surrey Street.”
Paula Goodwin, for Aurora, Croydon’s LGBT police consultation group said: “It’s great to see the Council and the police making Croydon a safe and friendly place for LGBT+ people, of all ages, religions and cultures, and to celebrate it in Croydon Pride Fest.”
Many more acts and events will be confirmed over the coming weeks and months so keep an eye out for updates.
Organisations looking to sponsor the event or get involved in other ways can contact alex@nudgefactory.co.uk
