in the news
from June 2009

After May’s Bradford Pride, the Pride season moves up a gear with Calderdale Pride and Sheffield Pride this month - both on Saturday 20th June, and more coming soon.

Sheffield Pride

This year’s Sheffield Pride is set to be bigger and better than ever. The Pride committee has confirmed the main stage acts and hinted at the entertainment and activities that are going to be on offer at Endcliffe Park. Sheffield Pride continues to prove itself as South Yorkshire’s biggest event celebrating lgbt life. It is a completely free and inclusive day out.

Sheffield is renowned for its varied and eclectic music scene and Sheffield Pride 2009 hopes to reflect this by having a complete range of genres represented on the main stage. From the indie/experimental to punk/ska and catchy beats via disco, eccentric electro pop, while Sheffield’s very own lgbt choir, Out Aloud will take you on a musical journey through their interpretations of some massive musical hits.

Later on, Laura Steel, our very own local girl made good, is set to wow the audience with her own brand of experimental, trend-setting music (see 10 inches of... on page 7).

‘Laura Steel is our little local star,’ says David Baker from the Sheffield Pride committee. ‘She’s currently recording her new album Time for Change in the USA but she is determined to play at Sheffield Pride. She’s been touring around some of London’s most trendy music venues and has become popular on the Florida music scene. Her track Running has been featured on Channel 5’s The Gadget Show, so people may have probably heard it without even realising.’

This year there’s a dedicated children’s area in conjunction with some council-based projects. There is a Pride beer tent and right next door a dance arena showcasing some of Sheffield’s most prolific gay scene DJ’s. A tea dance tent has been provided by Help the Aged - and is definitely worth a good look no matter your age. Due to its success last year, the ‘community area’ is back - look for the free Sheffield Pride 2009 brochure to see what’s on.

And Irwin Mitchell Solicitors are sponsoring their ‘civil partnership area’.

The Sheffield Pride after-party, in conjunction with VK, takes place at Hallam Union Buildings, finishing the day with a bang. With Poptastic, Hang the DJ and some of the north’s top DJ’s in three separate rooms, there is truly something for everyone. With extra performances from boy band Frixion, and main-stage star Laura Steel, it’ll be a night to remember!

Calderdale Pride

Calderdale Pride is the first gay Pride event to be held in Calderdale and the organisers are very excited: ‘The packed day kicks off at 10am with a fantastic and fun range of free sporting games and activities, suitable for everyone, close to the centre of Halifax at Spring Hall, Huddersfield Road,’ they say. ‘Just turn up on the day to join in or just to watch. At 2pm the action moves to the centre of Halifax and the magnificent Piece Hall, just five minutes’ walk from both train and bus stations. Bring food, drink and a picnic blanket along to the Piece Hall to enjoy a Pride picnic on the lawns and enjoy a full and varied programme of events and music from the stage hosted by the fabulous Addie Orfila with an anticipated special guest appearance by Gay Abandon.’

At the Piece Hall the day will include live music, DJ’s, stand-up comedy, a local and a Pride market, art gallery, niche shopping, licensed bar, food and a few other surprises too.

But the party doesn’t stop there as the Pride team are working with at least one town centre venue to provide a safe and welcoming Pride after-party which will be promoted on the day.

Both the events at Spring Hall and the Piece Hall are completely free, family-friendly and inclusive.

(Please note that unfortunately Halifax train station is closed for major refurbishment over this weekend but a full bus replacement service is running between the railway station and all usual stops).

‘Whether you choose to join us at Spring Hall (10am - 1pm), the Piece Hall (2pm- 9pm) or party on until much later,’ said Ralph Baqar, Chair of the organising committee, ‘we are looking forward to providing a safe, fun, and secure event for everyone.’

Councillor Helen Rivron the Chair of Calderdale Council’s, Equality and Community Cohesion Working Group said: ‘I believe this is long overdue and very much welcome that the community here in Calderdale will have the opportunity to celebrate what it is to be glbt. I wish Calderdale Pride every success."

The Chair of Calderdale LGBT Network Tim Fagan said: ‘Calderdale Pride has just snowballed and the response of the lgbt community, family and friends has been wonderful. Everyone is extremely excited and we would welcome people showing their support by getting more involved by contacting us through the Calderdale LGBT Network at calderdalelgbtnetwork@hotmail.co.uk A few market stalls are also still available by dropping us a line at this address.’

You can also check out www.calderdalelgbtnetwork.org.uk for more details.

Pink Picnic

This year’s Pink Picnic is shaping up to be the best yet. ‘The date is set, July 26th,’ say the organisers, ‘and the entertainment is booked, including some of the best local acts around such as Bears Aloud, Almost Pink, My Winehouse, The Declines and ENV. The infamous MarkyMark (of Queens Court, and The New Union fame) will be returning for a fourth year to host and compere the day. The Pink Picnic relies on the support of the community. People like you reading this now. If you can spare a few hours of your time to help with anything from organising the event to helping clear up afterwards and anything in between, they would love to hear from you. Equally if you or your company are able to offer sponsorship, The Pink Picnic offers excellent opportunities to get your company noticed by over 5000 people. Visit www.huddersfieldpinkpicnic.com or call 0778 977 6609.

Leeds Pride

Leeds Pride is coming soon and with August 2nd rapidly approaching, the team behind Yorkshire’s largest lgbt Pride are promising a day to remember. Liaqat Ali told us: ‘Its going to be amazing!.’

Over the past three years Leeds Pride has grown and grown with crowds in excess of 17,000 expected this year, but has also has been dubbed the ‘friendliest Pride’ by those in the know. The question on everyone’s lips is ‘Who will be performing on the main stage on Millennium Square and on the stage on the Lower Briggate auditorium?’ Paul Mattison from the planning committee said: ‘Our partners and main stage sponsors, Real Radio are putting together a fantastic line up of top acts. Leeds Pride isn’t just about big name bands and acts, we always remember what we’re about - celebrating the lgbt communities of Yorkshire, so we’ll ensure that there’s room for local up-and-coming acts too.’ If you want to keep up-to-date on news about Leeds Pride you can now follow us on Twitter just search for Leedspride09.

Leeds Pride the team are also looking for volunteers to help on the day. If you would like to help steward the parade please contact Anne Marie at the Leeds office of Yorkshire MESMAC on 0113 2444209 or email volunteer@mesmac.co.uk

Wakefield Pride

Plans for Wakefield Pride @ The New Union on August 9th are moving along nicely. ‘The New Union is rising nicely to the challenge of providing 14 hours of entertainment,’ they tell us. And if you would like to get involved with this year’s event The New Union is looking for people to help steward and help with fundraising for Yorkshire MESMAC amongst other things. If you would like to be involved please email mark@wakefieldpride.net or call The New Union on 01924 378 215

York Pride Picnic in the Park

York Pride Picnic in the Park will be taking place on Sunday 16th August in Tower Gardens York from noon till 5pm. The theme this year is ‘Maskerade’.

‘Bring along a picnic and great masks,’ they say, ‘and let’s have a fantastic afternoon of live music and entertainment for all the family with community stalls galore.’ For further details please contact Pete Blackburn at Yorkshire MESMAC on 01904620400 or email p.blackburn@mesmac.co.uk