Northampton Pride celebrations go virtual

Northampton’s LGBTQ and Allies Forum, Northampton Pride Committee and Grosvenor Shopping Northampton are encouraging artists, performers, community groups and individuals to get involved in a social distanced celebration of the LGBTQ community on Saturday, 18 July.

Following the cancellation of Pride parade and associated events set to take place in the town centre due to the coronavirus outbreak, Northampton Pride Committee and partners will bring the community together through a Virtual Pride Festival and a motivational campaign across town.

LGBTQ individuals in Northampton are invited to share their story as part of a motivational, art installation campaign that will take place across town for the month of July. They can get involved by submitting a 200-word story or a video to forums@northampton.gov.uk by Wednesday, 24 June. The submission could be covering areas such as coming out, living and being part of Northampton LGBTQ community and what Pride means to them.

Artists, musicians, DJs, community groups and activists are invited to submit videos for the Virtual Pride Festival that will be streamed on Northampton Borough Council’s Facebook page and YouTube channel on Saturday, 18 July. Video submissions for the virtual festival should be sent to forums@northampton.gov.uk by Sunday, 28 June and could include musical performances, dance performances, spoken word and poetry, artwork (especially time lapsed footage) and topical talks ( health and wellbeing, services, motivational speeches).

Grosvenor Shopping Centre will be awarding a prize* of £250 in vouchers to the winning video submission, to spend in one of the centre stores. The winner will be announced on Saturday, 18 July.

Councillor Anna King, Cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: “Northampton Pride is about the people, for the people. Even though we won’t be marching through the streets of Northampton this year, this won’t stop us all coming together to support our communities and celebrate diversity from our homes.

“I encourage everyone to get involved by sending through their stories or videos and to showcase the best our community has to offer. I can’t wait to sprinkle the glitter, tune in and wave my rainbow flag on the 18 July.”

James Roberts, Centre Manager at Grosvenor Shopping Northampton, is looking forward to the virtual celebrations, “We look forward to seeing the stories and being able to share them across the whole town in addition to hosting Northampton’s first Pride Virtual Festival”.

“As well as providing fantastic virtual entertainment and fun as the town celebrates Pride, the campaign will also allow the LGBTQ+ community voices to be heard through their stories through photography and art – including how the pandemic has affected them.”

“As a shopping centre at the heart of the community in Northampton, partnerships with different community groups and town centre stakeholders is invaluable and we look forward to building on this throughout the year.”

If you require more information or details, please email forums@northampton.gov.uk.

*Please note that commercial entries will not be considered for the prize.