Isle of Wight Pride returns in August 2023 with a weekend event at Eastern Gardens, Ryde Esplanade.
Starting on Friday 18th August with the Pride Launch Party from 5pm – 9pm featuring Cherry Liquor (pictured above) and Dawn the Drag Queen plus DJ host Boom Party Live. A variety of food and drink will be available including our newly launched IW Pride Cocktail.
Pride Parade
On Saturday 19th August, the Pride Parade will start at 12pm from Ryde School heading down West Street, Lind Street, Union Street, along the Esplanade until it reaches the Pride Community Village in Eastern Gardens.
Entertainment on the main stage boasts a fabulous variety of acts including Utmost Elton, MDNA – Madonna Tribute, Quivers, Diva-Licious 90s show, star of The Voice UK – Amrick Channa and we finish the day with a DJ set from Woody Cook starting at 9pm.
Pride Community Village
Pride Community Village will be open all day from 12pm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August including bars, a range of food stalls, local business and charity stalls and the all new Selfie Island featuring the Pride Unicorns!
IW Pride Plus
IW Pride Plus, on Sunday 20th August, will start at 12pm in Eastern Gardens with all day entertainment hosted by island drag sensation Quivers, including performances from local theatre groups, Kylie and Dolly Parton tributes, Gay-Ties Revival Show, Promise to Love Ceremony and Starstruck – the Ultimate Years & Years Tribute.
Supporting the event
Many Island businesses and organisations have supported this years event including sponsorship from Ascensos, Hovertravel, Red Funnel, Ryde Town Council, Snows, Visit Isle of Wight, Wightlink and WRS Systems.
Isle of Wight Pride were also the recipients of a National Lottery Community Fund grant.
Free and open to all
Isle of Wight Pride 2023 is a FREE event and open to all. This event champions the importance of equality and diversity by highlighting the advances that have been made for the LGBTQIA+ community in the UK and around the world, whilst also raising awareness of the prejudice and danger that many still face.
Love wins
Isle of Wight Pride is open for all to enjoy who share our vision for a world in which people can be their authentic selves with no fear of censure, judgement, inequality, or abuse, proving that ‘Love Wins’.
Where and when
Isle of Wight Pride takes place on Ryde seafront between 5pm – 9pm on Friday 18th August, between 12pm – 10pm on Saturday 19th August and between 12pm – 7pm on Sunday 20th August.
See iwpride.org for more information.
News shared by Sarah on behalf of IW Pride. Ed
