From 24-25 September, the event marks 25 years of pride and protest
BY ELEANOR NOYCE, IMAGE VIA BIRMINGHAM PRIDE
It’s almost upon us! Birmingham Pride returns for a glittering 2022 edition from 24-25 September. Pssst….that’s this weekend. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first Birmingham Pride event, held back in 1997. Since, it’s become one of the most significant LGBTQIA festivals in the UK, attracting over 40,000 people to its festival site and over 75,000 to its parade in the heart of the city.
Birmingham Pride isn’t just about partying, though, and rightly so. It has supported an array of LGBTQIA community groups, charities and events since 2014, awarding in excess of £353,000 and providing additional, accessible subsidies totalling £190,000. Creating a safe space where Birmingham residents, locals and lovers alike are free to express their identity without fear or prejudice, Birmingham Pride is the culmination of year-round activity. It is committed to challenging injustices, inequality and discrimination for everyone across the LGBTQIA community.
Excited? Here’s everything you need to know to prepare yourselves, including headliners, timings, top DIVA picks, accessibility information and more.
Who’s headlining?
None other than Steps and Becky Hill! Huge names to grace the main stage also include Melanie C and Ella Henderson.
What are the timings?
What does DIVA recommend?
Saturday 24 September:
Sandra, Son of a Tutu, Don One – Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage, 1-4pm.
Gay Garrage, Mix-Stresss – Dance Arena, 4-6pm.
Darkoo, House Gospel Choir – Main Stage, 6-8pm.
Cherub, Marty, Wild Vixen, Jay Andrew, Jenna Davicni, Yshee Black – Community Stage, 6-8pm.
Taahliah, Hannah Diamond – Future Stage, 8-10pm.
Kenya Knott, Danny Beard – Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage, 10pm-12am.
Sunday 25 September:
Sandra, Will Power, LoUis CYfer – Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage, 2-4pm.
Yshee Black, Andy Crosby as Elton John, David Dale – Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage, 4-6pm.
Fatt Butcher, Jodie Doody – Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage, 8pm-10pm.
Accessibility
The disabled walking group will be front and centre in the parade. Groups and individuals can meet by the Exchange Building which has seats, a quiet area, an accessible toilet and a changing places toilet.
It is difficult to leave the parade and rejoin, so Birmingham Pride recommends using the toilets in the Exchange Building beforehand. Volunteers from the access team with high flags will mark the meet point. The flag will have the wheelchair disability symbol on top of the Pride Progress flag. The volunteers will then organise people into their spots and gather sign-in sheets.
If you need to have a rest whilst the parade is going on, National Express have offered up their bus as a quiet space. There will be cameras following the parade route, broadcast live on @birminghampridefestival on Instagram.
Those with access needs can receive an accessible wristband. These are available as a free add-on. via the ticket page and any Pride kiosk. Birmingham Pride recommends using the access/VIP kiosk on Hurst Street which will be signposted. This gives you plus one friend access to the express entrance to the festival, the disabled viewing area for the Main Stage and the VIP area for the Cabaret Stage.
The disabled viewing area is a raised platform with a direct view of the Main Stage and BSL interpreter. It includes seating, plug sockets for power chairs, water for service animals and other equipment. Disabled toilets and a mobiloo changing places toilet are located next to the platform. Proof of disability is not required for an accessible wristband: Birmingham Pride wants to ensure that anyone that needs one has access. You can read more about accessibility via birminghampride.com/accessibility.
Want to find your bearings? You can find a map of Smithfield Live and the Street Party via birminghampride.com.
See you there, DIVAs! 💖
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