KENDAL'S first-ever Pride has revealed its programme for the summer event.
The organisers said it will bring 'some colour to the auld grey town' from Friday, July 21 to Sunday, July 23. The festival will feature a host of activities for people of all ages.
Many of the activities are free of charge and take place outdoors.
Jamie Hooper, chair of the organising group, said: “We really believe the programme offers a little bit of something for everyone and we’re looking forward to seeing people enjoy the weekend.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of local people and businesses who’ve come together to get involved and make pride happen.
Members of Lakes Queer Adventures (Image: Submitted)
“Plus, we’re incredibly grateful to have support from our funders Kendal BID and sponsors at BAE Systems.”
The Friday will begin with a screening of four outdoor-themed films at The Brewery Arts Centre from 5.30pm in collaboration with Kendal Mountain Festival, followed by a free opening party at About Time Espresso Bar on Finkle Street.
On Saturday, the Pride Village will take over The Brewery’s garden with free family eco-arts activities provided by Ragtag Arts from 10am to 4pm, and information stalls.
Over at Abbot Hall, people can get involved in collage and create their own zine in free drop-in workshops at various times from 10am onwards. There will be an exclusive premiere of the one-woman show 'Topless' aboard an open-top bus at 2pm, before it heads to the Edinburgh Festival with tickets priced at £7.50.
For young people aged between thirteen and eighteen, free indoor games will take place in The Brewery Warehouse on Saturday morning, followed by youth orienteering and bushcraft in the afternoon, both facilitated by youth workers from Brathay Trust.
In the evening, The Big Pride Party will take over The Venue from 7pm with performances from Kendal-based drag queen Nova Gina, drag king Andi Blewitt and drag songstress Layla Zee Susan, with tickets already selling fast.
Jamie Hooper, chair of Kendal Pride (Image: Submitted)
On Sunday, the programme will kick off with a wild dip in Windermere from 10.30am, followed by a free yoga session at the United Reform Church at 12.30pm and the chance to come together for a moment of reflection and remembrance at Kendal Castle from 2pm.
And closing the weekend, there will be a free evening of cocktails at Kendal’s Blind Bus Driver bar on Lowther Street.
Organisers say there are still some activities still to be announced and people should visit the Kendal Pride website for more information.
The festival is being organised by a partnership of local organisations including Proud in Kendal, Lakes Queer Adventures, Kendal Mountain Festival, Ragtag Arts, Brathay Trust, Kendal Youth Zone, The Brewery Arts Centre and Abbot Hall and will take place in partnership with the Kendal and Cumbria Unity Festival.
Tickets for Kendal Pride’s Big Pride Party are on sale priced at £20 per person.
For more information about Kendal Pride or to book tickets for any of the activities visit www.kendalpride.co.uk
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