Dreamland to host Margate Pride with programme of events

Margate Pride Photo Frank Leppard

Dreamland will once again play host to Margate Pride on Saturday 10 August.

Headlining the celebrations will be Dreamland Drag Party on the Scenic Stage, with LGBTQ+ talent including the international DJ Jodie Harsh, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Bimini and Raven Mandella.

Other performers include Amy Zing, B2B, Harry Gay, Dame Jame, Janet District Council plus special appearances from Shelly Grotto, Chai La-they and Pretzel Cage.

Doors open at 6pm and last entry is 9pm, tickets can be booked in advance at dreamland.co.uk.

This year, Dreamland is also hosting The Margate Pride Parade which will start at Walpole Bay Lawns at midday, before making its way across Margate, finishing at Dreamland’s Scenic Stage.

Eddie Kemsley, CEO Dreamland Margate said: “Margate Pride is one of our favourite annual parties and we are thrilled to host The Margate Pride parade celebrations all day from our Scenic Stage.  With the Dreamland Drag Party in the evening bringing a whole bundle of fun, sparkle and joy – this is a party you don’t want to miss!”

During the daytime, the park will also host activists and queer community leaders, speaking about the importance and significance of pride. Guests include Shiv, Margate Black Pride, Parental Acceptance, Para Pride, LGSM, Traveller Pride, Queer Refugees Unite and Dyke March.

Mx Margate beauty pageant, will be a take on the Miss Margate competitions of yesteryear, with a fun, queer twist including celebrity judges and performances. There will also be a selection of pride stalls from LGBTQ+ sellers and businesses, plus DJs and live music. Entry to Dreamland is free during the day.

Dreamland’s Hall by the Sea will also host Margate Pride’s first-ever Youth Pride, produced for and by 13-19 year olds. Youth Pride will include shows, crafting, a parent/carer creche plus more from the Be You Project and other local LGBTQIA+ spaces and resources.

Organisers for Margate Pride said: Margate Pride is super excited to fill the Dreamland stage with fabulous celebrations from our favourite local and global drag artists.  From Ru Paul’s girls, to our local homegrown talent, we believe that the expression and escapism found from watching drag performance is joyful, healing and a powerful way to celebrate Margate Pride 2024.

“We invite you to party with us as the sun sets across the scenic stage, and if the mood takes you, join us in a sparkly outfit and wig, or not, it’s your pride, you do you and we celebrate you in all your truth!  Everyone is welcome at this high camp, sparkly celebration of pride together in Margate.”

For more information about Margate Pride, visit margatepride.org.uk For details and to buy tickets for the Dreamland Drag Party, visit dreamland.co.uk

Pride Listings

Saturday 10 August

Noon -1.30pm:  Margate Pride Parade starts at Walpole Bay Lawns, before making its way across Margate, and finishing at Dreamland’s Scenic Stage.

1.30pm – 4.30pm (Dreamland): Speakers & Stalls:  plus DJs and live music.

Youth Pride: Margate’s first-ever Pride event created by and for 13-19 year olds in the Hall By The Sea. Youth Pride will include shows, crafting, a parent/carer creche plus more from the Be You Project and other local LGBTQIA+ spaces and resources.

2pm: Rally

3pm: Queer Beauty Pageant: Mx Margate will be a take on the Miss Margate competitions of yesteryear, with a fun, queer twist including celebrity judges and epic performances.

4pm:  DJs and Choir

6pm:  Dreamland Drag Party: Headlining the celebrations on the outdoor Scenic Stage, an evening of top LGBTQ+ talent including the international DJ Jodie Harsh, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Bimini and the renowned Raven Mandella. Other performers include Amy Zing, B2B, Harry Gay, Dame Jame, and Janet District Council – plus special appearances from Shelly Grotto, Chai La-they and Pretzel Cage.

No.42 by GuestHouse, Margate, is hosting a Pride Party on the Rooftop Bar on August 10 between 1pm and 4pm. Guests will be joined by Drag Queen, Just May, the self-titled ‘World’s Premier Geri Halliwell Impersonator’ for an afternoon of fun, sun, laughs, tunes, cocktails and games. Tickets are £28 each and will include a fabulous Pride-inspired cocktail . Book at https://www.guesthousehotels.co.uk/offer/no-42-margate-pride-rooftop-party/

Free Entry to Dreamland during the day

6pm – 11pm: Ticketed Drag Party