Thousands expected to join Suffolk Pride after year’s absence
Suffolk’s LGB&T Network hopes to celebrate the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals when the event returns this June.
Under the banner of ‘Proud of our LGB&T Talent’, the network will host a day of contemporary street-theatre performances, headlining musical performances plus food and refreshment stands offering the best in Suffolk fare on 16 June.
When Suffolk Pride was launched in 2009, over 3,000 attended the event. Last year’s event was cancelled due to funding constraints, but organisers expected to receive over 6,000 visitors from across the UK and Eastern regions this year.
David Williams, Chair of Suffolk’s LGB&T network said organisations should engage proactively with LGB&T communities and understand their unique perspectives and talents.
He said: “Having pride in Suffolk’s rich diversity of businesses, services and well-established family companies must also mean having pride in the contribution that LGB&T communities within Suffolk make towards ensuring that the region continues to thrive and prosper.”
Suffolk Pride events and activities that have united the LGB&T communities in the region, which is free and relies solely on donations, was able to resume this year having received public contributions.
“This year, we’ve seen a large emphasis on national creative talent, in the form of TV shows such as “The Voice” and “X-Factor”, says local businesswoman Sarah Adams, one of the network’s trustees.
“At a time when businesses are looking at how to really make use of their assets, Suffolk Pride presents a great opportunity for them to better understand and capitalise on the unique make-up of their work-force.”
With two pre-Pride classical music and show-tune soirées taking place at Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich on the 1 and 14 of June, 2012, organisers hope to represent the region’s “kaleidoscope of talent”. For more information, visit the Suffolk LGB&T network website.
