Margate Pride hits the town this August 12th for its eighth year.
The event is attended by people from across Kent, each celebrating community, openness and togetherness.
The arts-led celebration officially begins on Friday, August 4th with its Pride Art Map (PAM) showcasing numerous exhibitions by talented queer artists across Margate.
Throughout the month, Margate will host a programme of performances, screenings, workshops, thought-provoking talks, and inspiring exhibitions.
Highlights include:
- Nostalgic and contemporary pop acts at Dreamland; B*Witched, Claire from Steps, Duncan from Blue, starts of Ru Paul’s drag race UK plus hot new queer pop sensation Tom Rasmussen.
- The Waterfront Journals by David Wojnarowicz read by LGBTQ+ actors on Turner Contemporary terrace
- The Margate Drag Files history talk with Shelly Grotto at CAMP
- Ted Rogers exhibition at Quench Gallery
- Vile Diva exhibition by Chris Clarke at WhereElse
- Stand Exhibition by Charlee Piper at Joseph Wales Gallery
- Moving Forward by Sakib Khan at Cuckoo Gallery
- Nasir Mazhar at Luz Gallery
- It’s a Sin / It’s Not a Sin by Oliver Hymans at Ramsey & Williams
- Oliver Helmesely at TKE Studios
- SNUG short film commissions, Margate Queer Writers workshops and exhibition
- “Blue Jean” screening and Q&A at Tom Thumb Theatre
- Greg Araki hosted by Pretzel Cage and Dr. Jenna at Tom Thumb Theatre
- Sex & Biology talk at The Crab Museum
- With additional performances from: “Punk & Judy” by Pink Suits with Lipsinkers & Pretzel Cage at Olby’s and Tom Marshman at Tom Thumb Theatre.
Every year, Margate Pride commissions an emerging queer artist to design its poster. This year’s poster has been created by Heidi Plant @heidillustrates
The collaboration with Dreamland also has work from emerging artist Karina Cooppen @karainbow
The reclaimed fabric workshops have taken place across the last few months, giving pride goers a place to make banners and hear more about pride’s celebrations.
Activities at The Oval Bandstand
The August 12th festivities begin at 11am at the Oval Bandstand, Cliftonville.
People can participate in a wide range of activities, including rainbow storytime and dance classes for families. The lineup also features performances from dancers, choirs, and the renowned Mx Margate alternative pageant, hosted by Jonny Woo with judges Tracey Emin, Robert Diament, Russell Tovey and Dr Ronx.
This year’s rally focuses on amplifying the voices of trans people and will welcome guests Dani St James, Dr. Ronx, and Lewis Burton to speak.
Everyone is welcome to join both the bandstand activities and the parade. It’s completely free!
Organiser request people register their attendance, as this will help to estimate the number of participants.
The Parade
On August 12t at 4pm the Margate Pride parade will kick off from the Oval Bandstand in Cliftonville, culminating at the clock tower in Margate. The parade does not feature floats or vehicles, except for those necessary for safety or accessibility., to create a level playing field for all participants.
It is also a commitment to the environment by not using unnecessary vehicles. Margate Pride is partnering with Rise Up Clean Up to spread the message to protect our beaches, coastline and water.
Only community groups will walk in the parade but local businesses are invited to show support by donating to Margate Pride running a promo to support Pride or volunteering staff for the many volunteer roles.
Parties
Parties and shows on Pride Day are spread across venues in town including: Dreamland which hosts a live music event until 11pm, featuring performances by Claire from Steps, Duncan from Blue, B*Witched, and Tom Rasmussen. Afterwards, join the lively after-party with Pussycat Doll Kimberly.
The Sundeck offers fantastic disco DJs until sunset; while The Lido has DJ and performance collective The Cocoa Butter Club until 4am. Sundowners presents drag performances on the terrace throughout the day, continuing indoors until the early hours.
Margate Arts Club presents Little Gay Brother.. CAMP is hosting a party at the Margate Leisure Centre, and Faith in Strangers presents Homoelectric.
For precise timings and further event details, map and more, visit the website at margatepride.org.uk
If you are interested in getting involved, email: [email protected]
