SATURDAY, June 24 – that’s the date for Warrington Pride 2023. But there is a programme of activities in the week leading up to the event.
Partners including the borough council, Warrington Business Improvement District (BID), Warrington Market, Golden Square, Culture Warrington, Warrington Youth Zone, University of Chester and LiveWire have been collaborating to pull together a packed programme of activities and events.
The week leading up to the celebration will also feature exciting events, thought-provoking talks, performances, and creative showcases.
Highlights include:
• Leading up to the event on Saturday June 17, the University of Chester will host talks, short films, social art café and an exhibition of student artwork at University Centre at Time Square – for more information, visit Eventbrite
• Barely Visible on Friday June 23 – see elements of physical theatre, pole and contemporary dance and acclaimed physical theatre director, Elinor Randle – it will bring playfulness, authenticity, and boldness to this mesmerising work. For more information, visit Culture Warrington’s website
• In Castlefield Gallery New Art Spaces (former M&S unit, Sankey Street), an art exhibition produced by young people will be open, 10am to 4pm, June 24-25 with creative workshops taking place on Saturday June 24.
• Families and young people from Warrington Youth Zone will lead a parade through the town centre on Saturday June 24, stopping at several Pride events before heading back to the Youth Zone
• Family-friendly activities throughout the day on Saturday June 24 at Golden Square, including workshops, fashion shows, live performances and a silent disco supported by council youth workers and TAGS (Teenager and Gender Sexuality Youth Support)
• An information and support hub will also be located outside the Customer Services Desk in Golden Square on Saturday June 24 , 9am to 4pm.
• On Saturday June 24 there will be a party atmosphere in Golden Square in the evening – ‘Glitter’ will be a celebration of Warrington Pride, featuring Fleur East, Crystal (Ru Paul Drag Race) DJ set, an Aerial display and MX World Set – the event is free to attend but tickets must be obtained via Eventbrite
Cllr Tom Jennings, the b orough council’s cabinet member for economic development and innovation, said: “Celebrating Pride sends a strong message that love is love and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and equality.
“It is not only a powerful display of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, but a vibrant and inclusive space showcasing talent from across the arts, encouraging dialogue and understanding, and celebrating the achievements and resilience of those who have fought for the rights and freedoms enjoyed today. I encourage everyone to take part in the exciting events planned to make it an unforgettable celebration.”
Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for leisure and community said: “Warrington Pride 2023 is set to be an unforgettable celebration, with a huge range of exciting events and activities taking place across our town in the run up to, during and after June 24.
“I’m looking forward to seeing our communities coming together to enjoy a programme packed with culture, expression and happiness. It will be a real showcase of Warrington at its best – as a diverse, welcoming and inclusive town.”
Warrington BID’s project manager, Andrea Morley, said “As part of the Warrington Pride celebrations, the BID will continue to work and support businesses across the town centre with their plans for the day, showing their support for our LGBTQ+ community. We’re expecting a busy event and would like to extend our gratitude for the support provided by United Utilities, all of our partner agencies, emergency services and the council’s town centre team.”
For more information, visit: warrington.gov.uk/warrington-pride-2023.
