Travis Perkins has announced that it will be sponsoring the Pride Festival due to take place on 8 July in Northampton.
The event, which gives residents in West Northamptonshire the opportunity to come together to celebrate and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, will comprise a parade through the streets of the city.
Entertainment on the day will include rainbow stilt walkers, hula hoopers, Burlesque dancers, Drag Queens and musical performances from Afriene, Smashby, Empire and Born to Perform. A number of community groups will also be present on the day to provide information and support including Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health and HIV service (NISH), Qspace and Lowdown.
This is the second time the group is sponsoring the event. Pride events around the world, which are days of celebration for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York, which are considered to be the catalyst of the modern-day gay liberation movement.
Cllr David Smith, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services, explained: “Pride is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come whilst acknowledging that there is still work to be done in our fight towards equality in West Northants.
“This event is about communities coming together in celebration, protest, unity and solidarity and really is a wonderful team effort - from face painting to hula hooping, there is something for everyone!
“I would encourage you all to save the date and come along, celebrate diversity and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community.”
Dean Pinner, Managing Director of Keyline and sponsor of Travis Perkins Group’s LGBTQ+ colleague network, concluded: “We are committed to become a more inclusive business that attracts a more diverse range of talents and people, so we provide a work environment that better reflects the diversity of the communities where we live and work, and are proud to support Pride again.
“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate diversity and support our colleagues and everyone from the local LGBTQ+ community.”
