Thurrock’s first Pride event will be taking place on Saturday 8th June! The event will be starting at Purfleet-on-Thames and finishing at Grays highstreet. There will be an event afterwards at Thameside Theatre. More details about timings will follow.
What To Expect
Get ready for an exhilarating kick-off to our day on Saturday, June 8th, as we gather in the vibrant Purfleet-on-Thames! Join us alongside our fantastic Pride partners, the trailblazing Kinetika (the internationally renowned female-let arts company). Thanks to their creative prowess, we’ve are crafting bespoke silk flags, each telling the unique stories of LGBTQ+ individuals in Thurrock.
We’ll embark on a journey along the majestic river Thames, immersing ourselves in a proud celebration of LGBTQ+ culture. We’ll seamlessly merge with Kinetika’s 10th T100 Festival, a dynamic walking program that beautifully intertwines art, visibility, and captivating stories. Along the way, we’ll traverse iconic industrial landscapes and renowned graffiti walls, creating an ambience of connection and camaraderie.
The magic continues as we approach Grays, parading through the lively High Street, infusing the town with vibrant colours of visibility. We’ll paint the town with the radiant spirit of LGBTQ+ culture, forging connections not only within the LGBTQ+ community but also with our incredible allies.
The Event
Our destination is the Thameside Complex, where the heart of the Pride event awaits. Get ready to revel in a day filled with stories, shared experiences, and a kaleidoscope of colours, proudly celebrating the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ culture. This is more than an event; it’s a lively celebration of unity, diversity, and the power of storytelling. Join us as we make memories, forge connections, and paint Thurrock with the vibrant palette of Pride!
Co-created with our festival directors, Arts Outburst- Events will include music, comedy, film, drag storytelling and performances. Plus, an open mic for the LGBTQ+ community in a warm, welcoming space where we’ll cultivate an atmosphere of energy, enthusiasm, and unconditional support.
Community leaders, activists, and allies will likely take the stage to deliver inspiring messages about the importance of acceptance and equality. Workshops, panel discussions, and informational booths will provide opportunities for education and dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. Local businesses and vendors may participate, offering a diverse range of products and services that support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Flag Making Workshops with Kinetika
All welcome to come along and join in with the events below in preparation for the big day…
Saturday 23rd March, 4pm – 7pm Workshop at Thameside, ground floor café area
1- 5th May – Waxing and Painting at Kinetika Studios
Click here to register
Find out how your organisation can get involved with Thurrock’s first Pride event
Click here to register
Working in collaboration
Kinetika
Kinetika is an internationally renowned female-led company with a25-year track record of combining world-class bespoke designs on large-scalehand-painted silks with community projects to produce spectacular outdoorevents that engage diverse audiences wherever we work. Kinetika now has an unrivalled reputation for working with local communities on projects that change the way people feel about where they live. Based in Purfleet since 2014,Kinetika delivers activity both at ‘home’ in Thurrock and ‘away’ across the UK and abroad.
Find out more follow this link – Home – Kinetika
Arts Outburst
Founded in 2004 (formerly known as Impetuous Kinship), Arts Outburst has been co-creating art and cultural projects with the people of Thurrock (and beyond) for almost 20 years! In 2023, we were lucky enough to join Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, which has changed the game for us. With core funding secured for three years, it means we can plan, develop, and deliver even more great arts projects for everyone in Thurrock and South Essex to enjoy.
To find out more follow this link – Home – Arts Outburst
Thurrock’s first Pride promises to be a memorable event, uniting the community in a powerful display of love and acceptance. Attendees can look forward to forging new connections, celebrating individuality, and contributing to the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive society.
Contact Thurrock LGBTQ+ Network directly for more information
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