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BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bath Pride community event spreads 'joy and resistance'
Hundreds of people have marched through the streets of Bath for a Pride event to spread "joy, resistance and community spirit".On Saturday, the Somerset city played host to a parade, live music, various stalls, demonstrations and performances in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Nathan Maradei, one of the organisers, said the festival was a chance to "celebrate queer identity and protest in the face of overwhelming negative pressure".The event returned for its second year following the success of the first official Bath Pride parade, held on 18 August last year. Bath Pride says it celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and raises awareness about the challenges they face, including discrimination and the advancement of LGBTQ+ Maradei said the volunteer-run event was an opportunity to "really get connected to the community" and celebrate diversity. "I think the idea that an older city can't have change is a little bit self-defeatist, and we don't have to stick with that narrative," he said."It feels really important to march through the streets of the places we walk through every day and be visible. "Show that we don't want to be quiet. We are here and we are not hiding."Liz Kombate, who works for the charity Mind, attended the march to champion awareness of mental health among the LGBTQ+ community. "We're here to show ally ship for the community and put Bath Mind on the map, to show we're a safe space," she said."I think it's really important, especially now, more than ever, given the social and political climate."Her sister, Dolly Kombate, added: "I think there's often this idea of places like Bath as a smaller city that it's maybe not as progressive, but we're here to show people that's wrong."
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bath Pride: What you need to know
Following last year's success, the city of Bath is to play host to another Pride Saturday there will be picnics, live acts, various stalls, music and marches for all to members said the energy at last year's event was "palpable" and are "delighted to lay the groundwork" for future Bath what will be going on this year? What's on during the day? The event will run from 12:00-17:00 will begin with a parade through the city leading into a later will be multiple performers playing, dancing and speaking well as this various stalls will appear, including local businesses and charities selling food, clothing and other there will be activities for children to take part in during the day. Do I need to get a ticket? No part of the event will be ticketed - everything will be free to access. All about the parade For the parade, participants will gather at Sydney Gardens for 11:00 will then set off at midday going through Great Pulteney Street towards Guildhall, past the Parade Gardens and then through Union Street and Bridge can participate, but some well known local businesses and marchers will include: Bath Mind, Open Table Network Bath, National Trust, Luna Theatrics, Off the Record BANES, and Western Force Cricket ClubIt is planned to last roughly an hour and then it will return to the gardens and Holborne Museum for a big picnic. Headliners: Who will be there? There will be colourful acts from drag performers to live music, some names you might recognise will be artists Spank and Cynthia Road will be the hosts for the day bringing onto the stage drag performances from the likes of Violent May who has supported Ru Paul's Dragrace contestant Bimini and Kiki the day there will also be music performances from The Cher Experience, Russell Jones Jr, James Harriman and Phoebe De LeiburneAnd of the circus acts you can catch an eye-catching performance from Rojo Mojo who calls themselves the "hoop extraordinaire". What is there for children? The day events are for all ages to attend, and for children there will be various the whole day, play-workers from from the childrens entertainment collective Super Pirates, will host games, circus play areas, crafts, free play props and much more. Afterparty anyone? There is currently no planned after party for Bath Pride, but it is something one of the organisers, Nathan Maradei said they would like to do next year."Bath Pride is such a labour of love from everyone involved, with so many people donating their time to make this happen - committee, stewards and performers alike," they said."So much of the local Bath community has rallied around us and offered support, either for this year or following events - it's so encouraging to see, especially in the current political landscape."With legislation in the UK being so hostile to trans people, the importance of Pride is greatly emphasised. "We're so excited to celebrate with our community, and to platform queer joy and resistance in the face of adversity."
