Are you missing the Vale Earth Fair and Rocquaine regatta after two wonderful weekends of live music and fun? Already thinking of the next big party? Fortunately, there’s not long to wait! On Saturday 12th September, Liberate and CI Pride’s lead sponsor, the Co-Op, would like to invite everyone to Candie Gardens at 2pm for the start of the 2020 Channel Islands Pride Parade! Alongside the spectacular views of St Peter Port harbour, there will be entertainment for folk of all ages before the parade departs at 4pm towards Market Square.
The ‘Come Out, Be Visible’ theme for Pride this year aims to promote visibility and representation of the LGBTQ+ community both in daily life and in the media, as well our coming out together as a community for the biggest party of the year since lock down. This year, in particular, it will highlight the importance of LGBTQ+ people and their allies coming together to show solidarity. Whilst we make strides towards equality in the Bailiwick, not everyone in the world enjoys the same liberties. Pride is a loud, colourful opportunity for everyone who believes in equality and diversity to show it – and to throw one heck of a good party at the same time!
Ellie Jones, CI Pride Director said ‘We are in an incredibly lucky position where we may be the only ‘in real life’ Pride to happen in the British Isles this year. We want to celebrate this with the community. We are especially looking forward to welcoming Guernsey’s hero of the year Dr Nikki Brink on to the stage to thank her and the whole of Guernsey for all their hard work which has enabled us to throw what is essentially the biggest Coming Out party Guernsey has ever seen!’.
Mark Cox, chief executive officer for the Society, said: ‘It is fantastic to see events happening once again in Guernsey and the community coming together during what has been a challenging few months, and we are delighted to play our part by sponsoring this year’s CI Pride event. Our colleagues and members are looking forward to the day’s events, by taking part in the march and taking our community van along. We are proud champions for diversity and inclusion in the island and encourage everyone to go along and take part.’
The party in Market Square will be a hive of activity from the word ‘go’! The party’s Main Stage will feature Liberate’s own Rainbow Chorus Choir, the wonderful Cor Damme Lars, cabaret star Ivy Paige with fellow star of The Voice the superb Kalon Rae, who is returning for his second CI Pride to replace the London Gay Big Band who, sadly can’t come as there are too many of them to self-isolate. Alongside, the multitude of activities in the Square including the HSBC family area which will be outside HMV and the RBC silent disco that will be held inside the markets. Pride is a completely free community event but if anyone wishes to make a donation for any of the activities there will be donation buckets and points nearby! Not only that, but the Vale Earth crew will be hosting a second stage of amazing music and fun inside the HMV space within the Market Buildings. Wherever you look, there’ll be a chance to catch the action and have a great time!
When the main action winds to a close in Market Square, the Under-18s After Party and the Official Pride After Party will fire things right back up – be sure to get your tickets soon! You can find a detailed schedule of all the events at www.channelislandspride.org.
Please note that all events advertised may be subject to last minute changes due to the changing COVID situation.
