Doncaster Pride Explained

Doncaster Pride is a Gay Pride event held annually in Doncaster, England, usually in August. It is South Yorkshire's biggest Gay Pride event, and It was first held in 2007.[1] Currently the audience figures for the day's event is close to 20,000. The Patron of Doncaster Pride is Sheridan Smith.[2]

Doncaster Pride has been held at the Keepmoat Stadium, the racecourse, and is currently held at Doncaster's Sir Nigel Gresley Square.[3] [4] The event is funded by local businesses, award foundations, various charitable organizations and donations from the public. The event includes a variety of activities for all ages, two stages and a float parade through the town.

History

The first event was put together in just 3 months in 2007 and attracted more than 1,000 people on a budget of £15,000 .[5] [6] The following year drew a crowd of up to 8,000 people.[7]

Doncaster Pride 2018 saw over 3,000 people in the Parade through the town, and there were 8 free hours of entertainment on two stages.[8]

The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event returned in person in 2022, with Stephanie Hirst headlining it.[9] 2022 also saw the event expand accessibility, hiring sign language interpreters, creation of quiet spaces, and expansion of facilities for disabled attendees.

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: 1 July 2022 . Friday briefing: Inside the making of Britain's lesser-known Pride celebrations . 11 January 2023 . The Guardian .
  2. News: National TV star announced as patron of Doncaster Pride – and she could attend this year's event . 4 May 2022 . Doncaster Free Press . 16 April 2018.
  3. News: Doncaster Gay Pride moves to city stadium for safety . 4 May 2022 . BBC News . 20 August 2011.
  4. News: Doncaster Pride link up with NUM . 4 May 2022 . ITV News . 22 August 2015.
  5. News: 5 August 2016 . Rainbows beam on record crowds at Doncaster Pride . The Sheffield Star . 4 May 2022.
  6. News: Slack . Martin . 18 May 2010 . Lottery grant for gay pride festival . 8 . The Yorkshire Post . 0963-1496.
  7. News: 6 June 2009 . Mayor vows to cut Gay Pride funds . BBC News . 4 May 2022.
  8. Web site: Doncaster Pride AGM 2018 » Doncaster Pride . 2 January 2024 . www.doncasterpride.co.uk.
  9. News: Burke . Darren . 5 August 2022 . Doncaster Pride: Thousands expected as LGBTQ+ spectacular back after Covid break . Doncaster Free Press . 9 January 2023.