Kendal’s first ever Pride has revealed its programme for the summer event.
Bringing some colour to the Auld Grey Town from Friday, July 21 to Sunday July 23, the festival features a host of activities for people of all ages.
Many of the activities are free and takes place outdoors.
Jamie Hooper, chair of the organising group, said: “We really believe the programme offers a little bit of something for everyone and we’re looking forward to seeing people enjoy the weekend.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of local people and businesses who’ve come together to get involved and make pride happen. Plus, we’re incredibly grateful to have support from our funders Kendal BID and sponsors at BAE Systems.”
The Friday will begin with a screening of four outdoor-themed queer films at The Brewery Arts Centre from 5.30pm in collaboration with Kendal Mountain Festival, followed by a free opening party at About Time Espresso Bar on Finkle Street.
On Saturday, the Pride Village will take over The Brewery’s garden with free family eco-arts activities provided by Ragtag Arts from 10am to 4pm, plus a host of information stalls.
Festival goers will also be able to take part in a free 10km walk from 10am or 7km run from 4pm, both organised by local group Lakes Queer Adventures, or if they’d rather get on their bike, Lakes Gravel Gang will lead a cycle to Levens Hall from 10am.
Over at Abbot Hall, people can get involved in collage and create their own zine in free drop in workshops at various times from 10am onwards. There will also be an exclusive premiere of one-woman show Topless aboard an open top bus at 2pm, before it heads to the Edinburgh Festival.
For young people aged between 13 and 18, free indoor games will take place in The Brewery Warehouse on Saturday morning, followed by youth orienteering and bushcraft in the afternoon, both facilitated by youth workers from Brathay Trust.
In the evening, The Big Pride Party will take over The Venue from 7pm with performances from Kendal-based drag queen Nova Gina, drag king Andi Blewitt and drag songstress Layla Zee Susan, with tickets already selling fast.
On Sunday the programme will kick off with a wild dip in Windermere from 10.30am, followed by a free yoga session at the United Reform Church at 12.30pm and the chance to come together for a moment of reflection and remembrance at Kendal Castle from 2pm.
Closing the weekend will be a free evening of cocktails at Kendal’s Blind Bus Driver bar on Lowther Street, and a chance to unwind after three days of celebrations and enjoying the outdoors.
Organisers say there are still some activities still to be announced.
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, Kendal Youth Zone, The Brewery Arts Centre and Abbot Hall and will take place in partnership with the Kendal and Cumbria Unity Festival.
