Beautifully Proud Returns for Pride Month
Beautifully Proud Returns to Weston-super-Mare for Pride Month: A month-long celebration of Pride featuring events, activities, exhibitions, and performances.
Weston-super-Mare is set to host a vibrant and inclusive month-long celebration called Beautifully Proud, starting in June. This annual event aims to celebrate Pride Month with a diverse programme of events, activities, exhibitions, and performances.
The Beautifully Proud festival features flagship events such as an evening of cabaret with the Bow Tie Boys at The Blakehay and the much-anticipated return of Good Old Gays 2 at The Front Room. A spokesperson for the town council expressed enthusiasm, saying, “We are going to shine a light on what our town has to offer the community year-round and showcase the support available in our great town.”
Initiated last year in the lead-up to the town hosting the UK Pride Festival, the Beautifully Proud project has grown to become a key event in Weston-super-Mare’s calendar. This year, the town council has collaborated with local organizations, including the Proud Bar and Community Hub, North Somerset LGBT+ Forum, and Bridging the Gap Together, to curate a programme that caters to all ages across multiple venues.
Nigel Briers, Director of Pride Bar, expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s going to go ‘pop’ this year.” The celebration kicks off with a launch party at the Proud Bar on 1 June, featuring a performance by Miss Jam Tart.
Weston Museum will host the first-ever Beautifully Proud Exhibition from 25 to 29 June. Curated by local organizations, this exhibition will celebrate the contributions and stories of local queer people, both past and present.
The North Somerset LGBT+ Forum will offer drop-in sessions throughout the month, providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Mr. Briers highlighted the importance of these sessions, noting they offer “a non-judgemental environment and people that understand.”
Town councillor James Clayton shared his excitement about the event, stating, “Weston-super-Mare is a diverse and vibrant town, and we feel that this programme of events shines a spotlight on what can be achieved through collaborative working.”
Beautifully Proud promises to be an engaging and impactful celebration, reflecting the town’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community spirit.
