On Tuesday The Princess Theatre on behalf of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council held an open meeting with the sole purpose to create a group that would take a Pride event in to the future. The Council had been approached by a number of different parties keen to take on a Pride event and, in the spirit of unity and collaboration, they facilitated the meeting to bring all these voices together.
Attendees were welcomed and invited to offer thoughts on what a Pride for Burnham and Highbridge could look like, and how each person would like to get involved. Conversation was open and honest, with the overwhelming desire to create something harmonious.
It was agreed that plans would build on the foundations of a new group – Pride on Sea – to create an inclusive community event that would leave a lasting legacy. The new group were keen to shrug off that restriction of committee and wanted to create a sense of equality amongst collaborators – with one clear goal.
“This meeting is a real landmark moment for Burnham and Highbridge – bringing people in to the room with a shared ambition and the passion to make something happen and they left with a clear mandate. We can say with confidence there is a group of incredible and inspiring individuals that have come together from this meeting, all of whom want to develop and build something that does not discriminate” a council spokesperson said.
A spokesperson for the new group known now as Pride on Sea said:
“We were over the moon that the public meeting brought together residents, businesses and councillors who all wanted to make a good thing happen. We are looking forward to listening to the community and working together to create an inclusive, accessible and fun pride celebration in 2023.”
Also in attendance was Steven Mellor who said, “It gives me a sense of pride to know that we will be raising awareness for the LGBTQ+ community and really putting ourselves out there to show that Pride is here. I fully support Pride on Sea and look forward to the future and the continued support in the community to bring a Pride that Burnham & Highbridge needs.”
The group will now look at how they will be constituted and start plans for both fundraising and the event itself. For more information or to join in check out their social media channels.
You can connect with Pride on Sea using the following Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prideonsea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prideonsea/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrideonSea
Or email Prideonsea@gmail.com
Photo credit: Kate Pearce Pride-on-Sea