w/c 12th July 2021
This July, Southend-on-Sea will be celebrating Pride 2021. On Monday 12th July Southend’s Mayor, Cllr Margaret Borton, hoisted the Pride flag; this event then moved to the Civic Theatre where attendees celebrated the beginning of Pride – an event which lies at the heart of Southend-on-Sea as an inclusive, diverse and welcoming town.
With the town-centre Pride flag having been raised this marked the start of an exciting time for locals, with several businesses joining the celebration in their own, unique ways. We have seen businesses across the borough decorate windows in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and despite the cancelled main event, some are putting on their own. For example, on the 17th July, Caddies are hosting a ‘Laughing Out Proud Comedy Gig’, with all ticket proceeds going to the Mermaids Charity to support gender diverse children. Meanwhile, Adventure Island are putting on a show featuring Crystal from Ru Paul’s Drag Race and on the 31st July the Park Inn Hotel will be hosting an ‘Out of …’ event.
The town as a whole is being encouraged to get involved in Pride, supporting this uplifting event after a year that’s been incredibly difficult for the entire nation. At Southend BID we recognise the important message of inclusivity that Pride is built upon and do what we can to support these events. We encourage every business, entrepreneur and Southend resident to embrace the kindness that encompasses Pride, celebrating and recognising the impact LGBTQ+ people have had in the world without shying away from where work still needs to be done.
I am thrilled to be a part of a community that’s committed to Pride and all that it stands for and I cannot wait for the main event to return next year. Pride is a fantastic way for us to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and Southend’s wonderful diversity; it’s an event that brings Southend together and we’re honoured to help make it the bright and inspiring event that it is.
If you would like to donate to Southend Pride or find out how else you can get involved, email info@southendpride.org.uk.