SALISBURY Pride UK has been nominated in the National Diversity Awards which celebrates the grass root communities striving to overcome the issues in society.

This year, Salisbury Pride festival will take place in Queen Elizabeth Gardens on Saturday July 2.

A non-profit organisation, it is managed by a team of dedicated volunteers and the aim is to raise awareness of the issues facing those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride festivals are known for their colours, parades, concerts, and marches but they are at their core about equality, and acceptance. The rainbow flag synonymous with these events is used as a symbol to celebrate people’s differences.

Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Caroline Corbin said: “I am a custodian of Pride. I steer it and want everyone to be treated as equals and with respect.

“People felt very safe last year but there is still a subliminal bias at times, so we have a long way to go. Salisbury must yet improve.”

It was a successful event in 2021 and this year, it is already gaining momentum.

Caroline believes the festival in 2022 is even more important due to the Swindon and Wiltshire Pride events having been cancelled.

An established LGBTQ+ festival, the Swindon and Wiltshire festival had more than 10,000 people visiting it. This year, there are insufficient numbers to help run the event.

Caroline said: “Many in the LGBTQ+ community still suffer from abuse and so, the festival underlines the need for all to be proud of who they are. I am disabled and have faced discrimination myself. I know how it feels. So, I want to raise awareness of the issues facing people and to make this event work.

“I believe this could also be good for trade in Salisbury. I am sure retail outlets will benefit if they join in and support our drive to have a vibrant community.”

Salisbury Pride UK runs various fund raisers to ensure the festival can go ahead and a Pride pop-up market is planned for May 8 in the market square.

Admission into the Salisbury Pride Festival is free, and everyone is welcome. For more information, visit the Salisbury Pride website.

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