Huddersfield is hosting its very first Kirklees Pride event on Saturday July 9 and it’s set to be a day of fun activities, celebration and live entertainment.
Radio and TV presenter Stephanie Hirst will bring her ‘Believe Achieve’ session to the Lawrence Batley Theatre (LBT) where she’ll inspire and motivate and talk LGBTQ+ issues.
This year, the main activities taking place will be on King Street and at the LBT in Huddersfield town centre.
As well as rainbow flags, face-painting and live music, there will also be a poetry and art workshop at the LBT and an evening performance of Pride in Kirklees featuring Stephanie Hirst.
Stephanie’s ‘Believe Achieve’ event is designed to educate those who want to learn more about LGBTQ+ issues and motivate people to reach their potential in life.
Clr Will Simpson, Cabinet member for culture and greener Kirklees, said: “Pride is about challenging the hate and prejudice faced by the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating our local LGBTQ+ culture, and amplifying their voices.
“This year, we are proud to be hosting events which have been organised by the council’s LGBTQ+ employee network, and I want to give my heartfelt thanks to them for all their hard work and dedication in making this happen.
“We want to see Kirklees Pride continue to grow across our towns and villages in the years to come and to see that led by our community. Kirklees is Proud – and we make no apologies for showing it.”
What’s taking place on Saturday July 9?
The event will be opened with a brief ceremony and speeches at Lawrence Batley Theatre at 12.30pm. From that time King Street will be a hive of activity with stalls, live entertainment, an interactive police car and a fire engine!
After the opening ceremony the fun continues into the courtyard of the Lawrence Batley Theatre where there will be children’s entertainment including face painting and a variety of stalls. There will also be live entertainment hour-by-hour from The Rain Queens, Slaithwaite Brass Band and others.
In the Attic Theatre of the LBT there will be art workshops and free HIV testing from the Brunswick Centre. Over in the LBT Cellar you’ll find an LGBTQ+ poetry workshop.
From 5.30pm enjoy an evening of Pride in Kirklees with special guest star Stephanie Hirst in Believe Achieve. Book your free tickets for this event on the Lawrence Batley website – CLICK HERE as limited spaces will be available on the day.
You will also get the first sneak peek at Kirklees Museum and Galleries’ new exhibition on The Day the World Came to Huddersfield. The exhibition looks back to 1981 when London Pride came all the way up to Huddersfield to stand with the LBTQ+ community at the time.
Kirklees Pride 2022 will finish in style with the official after-party being held at Rain Bar in Huddersfield from 8.30pm.
