We Sit Down With the Organisers of Nottinghamshire Pride 2022 to Discuss What People Can Expect

Boasting an extensive list of performers and activities, including a march and brand new decorations, this year’s Pride is set to be fabulous and inclusive fun, celebrating everyone from the community. We find out more from one of the organisers... 

Will this year's celebrations be different to previous years?
Not hugely different - the event works well in its current format so we haven’t changed a huge amount this year. We have tried to cater to more groups, though - focusing particularly on young people, which is something we want to do more next year too. We also want the LGBTQ+ community to know what’s out there, employability-wise; what companies are best to work for and have their diversity and inclusion sorted with a safe working environment for people.

Our performers are also all so fantastic. We have Rob Green, Miss Bowie & the New Killer Stars, Jamie Fuxx, Bexx and many more performing on Heathcoat Street. Lots of our wonderful Drag Queens will be there too, as well as speakers and poets - all under our brand new bunting that will be decorated across the city.

Was searching for Pride sponsors an important part of the planning process?
Yes! When looking at our sponsors, who are all big-ish Nottinghamshire employers - like Boots, Experian, CapitalOne, Sladen Estates - we are showing what’s out there for people, and giving them the chance to ask questions so they know what to look for.

We’re also working with Nottinghamshire County Cricket and a new local rugby club that started before lockdown - just letting people know that, if they’re interested in sport, there are plenty of activities to try.

Do you think Nottinghamshire Pride is quite unique to other Prides across the country?
We try to stay as independent as possible, although we do sometimes get accused of being too corporate or commercial. But we don’t want to be dictated by huge companies who offer us huge sponsorships. Our sponsors understand that we want Pride to be as grassroots as possible, like an event for everyone - hence why it's free.

Being a free event is non-negotiable. It's central to our policy and the way we function and run the event. Sometimes we have to fight for that, but we have to make it clear to those helping us out on the day and working for us that this is an open celebration and shouldn’t be something that costs people to attend.

How have you been encouraging people to come along; both volunteers and attendees?
There’s so many different levels of involvement - turn up alone or with your family and friends to march, protest or parade. Whatever you want to do, you can just do your thing.

If you want to volunteer, we mostly need people for the march to control the crowd and make sure everyone’s safe and having fun. We have so many different people from all ages volunteering and it’s great to get so many involved. People who want to help out can find out more on the Get Involved section on the Nottinghamshire Pride website - there is loads of info over there.

Are you expecting a lot more attendees this year?
That’s interesting to think about - people have gotten back to normality quickly after the pandemic, and whether the public are still excited to party and celebrate, who knows? But Pride is always so well-attended - with upwards of 7,000 people enoying the celebrations - and I imagine it’ll be the same this year.

That is a huge amount of people - how exciting!
It is so exciting. There’s a lot of people and we are always staggered. We’re keen to encourage as many people as possible, especially when the LGBTQ+ community means so many different things to different people.

Within the community there are margins, and I am privileged as a white gay man to be in this position and have this voice. My privilege has got to be shared with all these wonderful people who don’t have it.

nottinghamshirepride.co.uk