Saturday July 29 will see the return of Nottinghamshire Pride to the city centre, and with less than a week to go, here is everything you need to know about the day.
Kicking off with the all-important Pride march, attendees are being encouraged to meet at the junction of Lister Gate and Castle Gate at 10.00 am before the march commences
at 11.00 am.
The march will then make its way through the city before ending on Broad Street in Hockley, with Nottinghamshire Pride organisers hoping to beat last year’s march numbers
of 8,000.
What is Nottinghamshire Pride?
Nottinghamshire Pride takes place every year on the last Saturday in July, starting with a march through the city centre before ending in Hockley, where a
range of performances will take to the Pride stage on Heathcoat Street.
Throughout the day, a range of stalls will also make their home on George Street, including a variety of charities, community groups, staff networks, and organisations who offer services and support to the many members of the county’s LGBTQ+ community.
Does this year’s event have a theme?
This year’s event has the theme of ‘Together’
and will focus on coming together to be present, celebrating Nottingham’s rich LGBTQ+ history, and marching for the future. It aims to serve as a reminder
of how far the nation’s LGBTQ+ community has come, and the journey the community is still on.
What’s new for 2023?
Located on Lace Market Square will be a new quiet zone for those looking for a more relaxed environment. Directly adjacent to the event’s main area, Pride attendees can enjoy both a DJ and picnic benches in the area, creating an ideal option for families or those who have brought their own food.
To help reduce possible pressure on local businesses in Hockley, even more allocated toilets will be available this year, both at St Mary’s Gate and behind the stage on Heathcoat Street. Wayfinding signs for these, along with other prominent locations on the day will be conveniently placed to help attendees better navigate the event.
Who is performing and at what time?
The stage will return to Heathcoat Street, and will be hosted by drag artists Nana & Marilyn. The eclectic line-up will see performances from the likes of Charity Shop Sue, Nottingham band GIRLBAND, queer and trans musical artist, Yay Maria, the Lace City Chorus, Kitty Tray and drag queen royalty Liv and the winners of Nottingham’s Drag Pageant.
There’ll also be poetry from NHS Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System staff, as well as speeches from local MP for Nottingham East Nadia Whittome, trans activist Tania Stevenson and Nottingham against Transphobia.
Performances will kick off at 12.15pm and will run until 6.00pm. For the full line-up including set times, visit: Nottinghamshire Pride: First wave of acts for this year’s event announced
How do I get there?
Nottingham has an extensive public transport network, with most NCT and Trent Barton buses running through the city centre.
NET trams will also be running through the city, with its Lace Market tram stop just a four-minute walk from the event’s main stage on Heathcoat Street. Those looking to ride into the city can also leave their vehicles at the Park & Ride next to the Forest Recreation Ground and take the tram into the city to avoid traffic.
To ensure the event is as safe as possible for attendees and to accommodate for the march, there will be no tram service between the Lace Market tram stop
and Old Market Square between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Car parking is also available throughout the city and surrounding area. The closet car park to the Hockley area is located on Stoney Street.
What do I do if I need help?
Throughout the day there will be a team of Nottinghamshire Pride volunteers who will be on hand to offer assistance, support with crowd control, directions and keeping attendees safe. They will be clearly recognisable as the ones wearing high-visibility jackets.
There will also be a presence from both Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service if further assistance is needed.
Will I be able to bring my own alcohol?
You won’t be permitted to bring your own alcohol to the Nottingham Pride event, and no glass will be permitted outside near the stage area. However, there
are a wide selection of bars in and around Hockley that will be open throughout the day for those who’d like an alcoholic drink.
Are dogs allowed?
Well-behaved dogs on leashes will be permitted.
Will children be allowed?
Nottinghamshire Pride is a family-friendly event, with children of all ages welcome.
How much does it cost to attend?
Nottinghamshire Pride is a completely free event and depends wholly on donations and support from an array of sponsors that contribute to the longevity of
the event and help support the work the Nottinghamshire Pride charity does throughout the year.
Those who do wish to make a contribution to the cause can do so by scanning the QR codes at participating bars and restaurants across the city, including Revolution,
GOAT and the Lord Roberts.
