Pride Month in Kent 2023
The annual event provides an opportunity for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to celebrate their identities and accomplishments and reflect on the struggle for equality.
So, just when is Pride Month this year, and why is it observed?
Here is everything you need to know.
Why is Pride Month celebrated?
Pride Month is a time for celebration and reflection. It’s an opportunity to recognise the progress we’ve made but also to reflect on how far we have yet to go.
The celebration of Pride Month in June has historical roots: it marks the police raid that sparked the Stonewall riots, which led to the foundation of LGBTQ+ rights.
The raid occurred early on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. The location was a favourite hangout for young gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people.
The LGBTQ+ community launched a series of protests in response to the raid, advocating for the creation of safe spaces for the homosexual community to meet without fear of being arrested or becoming victims of violence.
These riots acted as a catalyst for LGBTQ+ people’s rights. Since then, the LGBTQ+ community has celebrated the years of battle for civil rights and the continued quest for equality on an annual basis.
Parties, parades, concerts, and other events celebrating queer identity are held during Pride Month.
The first official UK Gay Pride Rally was held in London on July 1, 1972 (chosen as the closest Saturday to the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots), so 2023 represents the 51st year of the Pride movement on our shores.
Pride events near you in 2023
If you’re looking for a Pride event to attend, there are many options across the county. Here are a few:
CANTERBURY PRIDE
This year marks the return of the county’s largest Pride celebration, with thousands of visitors anticipated to flood the city for a weekend of music and live entertainment.
There will be performances from ‘00s pop band Liberty X and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Danny Beard, Baga Chipz, Le Fil and Dakota Schiffer.
Leyton Williams and Miriam-Teak Lee, from West End musicals Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and & Juliet, local drag performers Delilah Tickles and Dee Lexia and a string of tribute acts will also be taking to the stage over the weekend.
Details: Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11 at Dane John Gardens in Canterbury. Entry is free, but paid upgrades are available. More information can be found HERE
DEAL PRIDE
For the first time, Deal will have its own Pride celebration. This July, the town will make its rainbow-filled debut.
The day starts with a customary march along High Street, through the beachfront promenade, and past Deal Castle until it reaches Walmer Green.
The Pride on Walmer Green celebration will then commence, with local LGBTQ+ performers performing on the bandstand. There will also be food and drink stalls, and charity organisations set up on the green.
Details: Saturday, July 15, in Deal town centre and Walmer Green. Entry is free, but you must register for a ticket in advance HERE
MARGATE PRIDE
Margate Pride returns to Dreamland this summer with a jam-packed lineup of performers performing on the outdoor Scenic Stage.
The headliner is ’90s girl group B*Witched, with Steps singer Claire Richards and Blue band member Duncan James on the bill.
The day wouldn’t be complete without some of the best drag performers in the UK. Jonbers, Just May, and Le Fil will perform, and the entire event will be hosted by Kent’s own River Medway.
When the sun goes dark, the party moves indoors to the Hall by the Sea, where former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, Dame Jame, and Mr Theo perform a late-night disco.
Details: Saturday, August 12, at Dreamland in Margate. Tickets cost £25 and can be purchased online HERE. The after-party must be purchased separately.
MEDWAY PRIDE
Medway Pride took to the streets of Rochester for the first time last year. The parade drew over 2,500 people and is returning for what is hoped to be another successful march.
A festival was also hosted at Rochester Castle, including performances by Kelly Wilde and Kent’s own Dolly Parton impersonator Sarah Jayne, as well as a creative fringe festival with workshops, exhibitions, and discussions.
The full schedule for this year’s six-day festival has yet to be published, but organisers have unveiled the lineup for the event on Saturday.
The evening will be headlined by former X-Factor winner Sam Bailey, with support from Voice UK participant Jamie Johnson, dance vocalist Tara McDonald, singer Vicky Jackson, and tribute acts to P!nk, Cher, and Kylie.
Over the weekend, drag acts Mary O’Kart and Mary Golds will also take the stage.
Details: Monday, August 14 to Saturday, August 19 in Rochester town centre. Tickets are free and can be booked online HERE
If you’re looking to celebrate Pride Month, there are plenty of events near you. Check out your local Pride Parade on Google Maps.
