Kendal is getting ready to host its first ever pride festival this summer.
The festival – billed as ‘doing pride differently’ – will take over the town from Friday July 21 to Sunday July 23, offering activities for people of all ages.
Organisers are hoping the event will make the most of the natural environment and give people the chance to celebrate pride in an alternative way.
Jamie Hooper, chair of the organising group, said: “One of the things that’s really special about living here is that we have so many fantastic outdoor spaces on our doorstep and we’re going to take advantage of that.
“Kendal Pride is going to be all about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and getting out into nature and enjoying what this beautiful area has to offer – plus, of course, having a big party too.
“We believe that as well as being something for local people, we’ll also be able to attract visitors too – if you live in Manchester, why not make a weekend of it? I can guarantee you won’t regret it.”
The full programme for the festival is still being developed but will include free walks, cycles, climbs and open water swims, and more as well as free family eco-arts activities provided by arts organisation Ragtag Arts.
Alongside the outdoor activities, there will also LGBTQIA+ outdoor themed films on the Friday evening with tickets set to go on sale soon.
Brathay Trust’s LGBTQIA+ youth group is also being consulted on what kinds of activities they’d like to take part in to make sure the event caters to young people.
On the Saturday evening a ‘Big Pride Party’ at Bowness Brewery’s Venue will take place with Kendal-based drag queen NOVA GINA hosting the event and a line-up of acts still to be announced.
Nova said: “I’ve lived here for eight years and have attended pride events throughout Cumbria, but now I can finally celebrate pride, acceptance and inclusion where I live and love at Kendal’s very first pride.”
The festival is being organised by a partnership of local organisations including Proud in Kendal, Lakes Queer Adventures, Kendal Mountain Festival, Ragtag Arts, Brathay Trust and Kendal Youth Zone, and will coincide with the Kendal and Cumbria Unity Festival.
Tickets for Kendal Pride’s Big Pride Party are on sale now priced at £20 per person.
