Welcome Messages_Pride Guide RH 06/05/2014 23:24 Page 2
Welcome to Birmingham Pride A MESSAGE FROM THE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR Welcome to Birmingham Pride 2014. This year we pledge to build on the resounding success of last year and make it bigger and safer than ever. This year's event is the result of months of hard work and planning by many people in Birmingham's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Now in its 18th year, the festival will launch with the Carnival Parade from Victoria Square from 10.30am onwards on the 24th May 2014, the visual extravaganza will set off at 12 noon. So please do get involved. Either take part in it or line the streets and support what I hope will be one of the most memorable Birmingham Pride parades of all time. The theme for this year is Quality and Freedom
around the world, and we are delighted that Peter Tatchell, who champions this campaign, will again be leading the parade and giving a speech at this year's event. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support. Collectively, let's make this year's Birmingham Pride a special event for all the right reasons.
Lawrence Barton Festival Director
I look forward to seeing you here.
A MESSAGE FROM THE LORD MAYOR Both the Lady Mayoress and I are delighted to be joining you all at Birmingham Pride 2014. We hope that everyone will have a great time at what has become a well-established and fabulous event here in Birmingham. I know that there will be many visitors to this event from far and wide, who have come for the very
first time to sample our Birmingham celebration, so go and enjoy your selves no matter what the weather, although we hope for sunshine. It is colourful, musical and there will be a fantastic atmosphere. This is a truly fun time for all, but most importantly I want you all to keep safe. Councillor Mike Leddy Lord Mayor of Birmingham
A MESSAGE FROM SOUTHSIDE BID Southside is Birmingham’s most vibrant and diverse district, encompassing the Gay Village, Chinatown and leading entertainment venues. Each year, Southside comes alive with Birmingham Pride as thousands of visitors enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment of the Gay Village. We are extremely
proud to be home to one of the most successful and popular Pride festivals in the UK, and 2014 looks set to be the best year yet. On behalf of Southside, I wish you all a fantastic and enjoyable festival, and look forward to welcoming you back to the district and Birmingham’s Gay Village throughout the year ahead.
Julia Chance Southside BID Manager
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