Totnes Castle Pride flag row as organisers say queer people ‘belong here too’
Totnes Castle was ‘captured’ with a giant Pride flag (Instagram/totnespride)
A giant Pride flag wrapped around Totnes Castle in Devon during the town’s four-day Pride festival has sparked backlash from some residents, with organisers and supporters pushing back with a message that queer people “belong here too”.
The installation, titled “Capture the Castle”, was put up on Saturday. Organisers said the display was intended to signify that “queer people have always been here and always will be”.
Local Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden defended the festival, saying (via The Sun): “I’m so proud of the scale, diversity and quality of the Pride festival Totnes has produced, which as well as sending a clear message of equality and inclusion will also boost our local economy and growing profile as a centre for progressive arts and culture.” She added on Instagram: “It’s so great to see Totnes buzzing with energy and fun and queer love” and :“Everyone deserves to be who they are, to love who they love and to live with dignity and respect.”
‘Capture the Castle’ divides residents
Criticism included social media comments calling the display “disgusting” and “absolutely ridiculous”. Others argued the installation diminished the castle’s historical significance, with one Facebook commenter referencing “950 years of Norman history” in their objection.
Supporters also responded publicly. One wrote: “I’d love to live in a world where Pride was completely unnecessary,” before adding: “For one morning, an ancient building was used as the backdrop to tell part of the local community: you belong here too.”
Planning details and festival programme
Ceri Goddard of Totnes Pride said the flag was loaned by Torbay Pride and that English Heritage had advised on planning.
A spokesperson for Totnes Pride told The Telegraph: “Capture the Castle is the image that will define this year’s festival, but what we’ve built around it is a genuinely ambitious arts and culture programme – over 40 events.”
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