On Saturday 27 July, the annual Nottinghamshire Pride march, which each year forms an integral part of Nottinghamshire Pride celebrations, is set to have a brand-new route for 2024.
Each year, the popular Nottinghamshire Pride march sees attendees don bright colours, wave flags, march and dance in celebration of Nottinghamshire’s LGBTQ+ community. However, for 2024, for the first time, the march has a new heart shaped route, taking marchers across some of the locations that have played a part in the city’s LGBTQ+ history.
Beginning at Lister Gate at 11.00am, before heading towards Hockley, and wrapping back around in a heart shape down to Goose Gate, the march will then continue to its new end point at Sneinton Market.
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The new route is also a nod to this year’s event theme ‘The Power of Love’ and follows the announcement that the Nottinghamshire Pride iconic stage will be moving to Sneinton Market, both to accommodate the larger numbers, and to commemorate the controversial LGBTQ+ history of the Victoria Leisure Centre.
Leigh Ellis, chair at Nottinghamshire Pride, said: “Love has always been at the heart of Nottinghamshire Pride, and this year we wanted to reaffirm that, while also shining a light on our city’s LGBTQ+ history.
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“Our new march route offers an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we’ve come as a city, especially when remembering the significance of Sneinton’s Victoria Leisure Centre which drew the attention of right-wing members back in 1986 following its ‘gay-only swimming sessions’. However, we march because you need only look towards some of the posts shared across social media in recent years to see how much still needs to be done. This year’s theme is a celebration of love in all its forms as well as the love of our city.
“The parade march is set to start at Listergate at 11.00am, and we advise that attendees arrive in plenty of time for the march to start. The march will head off in three waves, setting off in 15-minute intervals. The march then proceeds onto South Parade, Carlton Street, Broad Street, Heathcoat Street, then Goose Gate.
“We will cross Cranbrook Street and Lower Parliament Street with robust traffic management plans implemented to keep everyone safe. Arriving at Sneinton Square we’ll reach our main stage which this year has been named ‘The Richie Clay stage’ in honour of friend and organiser of Nottinghamshire Pride, Richie, who we lost last year.”
After the march, visitors will be able to carry on the festivities at Nottinghamshire Pride’s new Sneinton Market location. The main stage which will feature an exciting roster of lively acts including headliner, Drag Race UK star Tia Kofi, and Dolly Parton tribute The Dolly Show, singer-song writer Rob Green, Su I Think, Ashly Song, and hosts Marilyn Sane, Nana Arthole, and Liv.
On top of this, there will also be a wide range of market stalls and activities for attendees to enjoy including a designated family area and circus performers.
Meanwhile Hockley, which has always been a key location for Nottinghamshire Pride celebrations, will be hosting an exciting street party with DJ sets at the Broadway mezzanine bar and various events at participating venues across Hockley.
Craig Martin, co-chair of Nottinghamshire Pride, said: “Nottinghamshire Pride 2024 is just round the corner now, and we can’t wait. This year is a year of many firsts for us – a new march route, a new location but still the same core values of visibility, education, celebration and a deep love for our city and our community.
“We look forward to standing side by side with so many across the city as we march for love and in solidarity and celebration of our city’s LGBTQ+ community.”
Since its launch in 1997, Nottinghamshire Pride has been a solely non-profit event, relying on sponsorship from businesses across the city, and volunteers who give up their time each year to support by collecting donations, offering stewardship, general event support and more.
Nottinghamshire Pride 2024’s headline sponsor is Sladen Estates, with information on all of the event’s sponsors available via its website.
