Spice Girl Mel C x queer collective Sink The Pink help Bristol celebrate their 10 year anniversary
BY RACHEL BADHAM. IMAGE BRISTOL PRIDE 2018 BY NEIL JAMES BRAIN
Bristol Pride is back for it’s 10th year – and it’s bigger and better than ever!
From the 1-14 of July 2019, the southwest-shaped city of Bristol will host a fabulous variety of queer events to commemorate the achievements of those who have fought for LGBTQI rights, celebrating love in all it’s forms.
This year, Bristol Pride has upgraded its festival venue so that – on the 13 July – it’s expected that more than 36,000 people (which is how many attended last year!) will be gathering to join the party and give homophobia the middle finger. Count us in!
We heard there’s a DIVA stage?
And you’d be correct. This year, there’ll be a brand spankin’ new DIVA Women’s Stage with incredible performances from the likes of the lovely Kal Lavelle, She Choir, DIVA columnist Jordan Gray and X Factor sheroe, Saara Aalto.
On top of that, this year’s headline acts are made up of empowering female artists including Murder On The Dance Floor singer, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, a queer-tastic collaboration between Spice Girl Mel C and legendary LGBTQI collective, Sink The Pink, plus Brit Award winner, Sonique – not bad, eh?
As well as this, the festival will feature a cabaret stage, circus tent and a silent disco (love) so there’s really something for everybody!
When’s the parade?
Bristol’s Pride Parade will be taking place on the morning of the 13 July when the city centre bloom a’ rainbow as thousands take to the city streets. Plus, Pride is particularly significant this year as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Bristol Pride Official says this year’s Parade is dedicated to, “remembering where we’ve come from and celebrating where we are” and that they will continue to, “keep fighting for a future of true equality for all.” Bravo.
Besides the big day on the 13 July, there will be dozens of other events taking place across the city throughout the month. On the 8 July, Watershed Bristol is hosting a screening of lez/bi romance, Tell It To The Bees.
A 1950s set adaptation of Fiona Shaw’s popular novel, Tell It To The Bees is the story of Jean and Lydia who’s friendship develops into a passionate love, putting them at risk in a community that isn’t ready to accept them for who they are. A heart wrenching story that packs a punch, this one’s definitely worth a watch, Bristolians.
Also, on 11 July, Watershed will also be screening some of the top picks from this year’s BFI Flare LGBT+ Film Festival.
Short films shown will include a selection of the finest queer stories on screen – from a narrative about a young trans women standing up to her bullies (First Day), to a tale of the struggles of lesbian dating (Home Girl).
In short, we think Bristol Pride 2019 might just be a little more spectacular than ever – don’t miss out, yeah?
Grab your tickets to Bristol Pride and find out more here bristolpride.co.uk
Only reading DIVA online? You’re missing out. For more news, reviews and commentary, check out the latest issue. It’s pretty badass, if we do say so ourselves.
Just a note – the tickets you mention arent actually tickets. A supporter wrist band doesn’t actually give a 100% chance of getting into the venue. It might improve your chances but its not a guarentee. Its an important distinction.