Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, everything you need to know

Saturday 10th August sees the return of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride Sponsored by Nationwide, with the Old Town parade kicking off the festival in true carnival style.

Parade manager Phoenix Stewart said, “The parade is an important part of the day. For many people taking part, it will be their first time marching in the Parade, marching with like–minded people who are proud of their sexuality and gender identity. For some they will remember a time when they weren’t able to march or were met with violence and arrests. Pride parades have come a long way, but they are a way of recognising what has happened in the past, a celebration of identity and a place to be ourselves.“

The Parade Sponsored by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue – sets off from Town Gardens, Springfield Road entrance at 11.15am. It will continue onto the High Street, Wood Street, Bath Road, and then making its way back in to the park for the beginning of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride 2019. This years theme for the event is Festival of Visibility, and will include a 50-metre rainbow flag, plus an explosion of colour and music over three stages.

With the big day almost upon us, local businesses around the town have been asked to join in the festivities with colourful, vibrant displays to help turn Swindon into an explosion of colour.

Phoenix added, We’re appealing to businesses around the town to decorate your windows and buildings to show your support for the LGBTQ community of Wiltshire. Great displays always get a lot of coverage over the Pride weekend, so submit your photos to us via any of our social media channels and we will post them on the run upto Pride day!

To take part in the parade, meet at 10:45am by the Springfield Road entrance of Town Gardens. Spectators are urged to line the parade route, with Wood Street being the focal point to cheer on the Parade. The

For more information about the parade or the rest of the festival visit www.swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk