MK PRIDE

Glitz, glamour and togetherness as MK Pride returns

Last year’s Pride Festival was one of the most colourful, inclusive, family-friendly events ever held in Milton Keynes, but it might just pale into comparison with what organisers have whipped up for the new city this year, writes Sammy Jones.

Pride returns to Campbell Park on Saturday, September 10 and will be a celebration of all things LGBTQ+

The event is open to the LGBTQ+ community and all allies – because it’s a silly misconception that these events are for members of the community only.

“We are calling it a festival because we want people to come and spend time together and just hang out. It’s also about informal education where people can just be around each other,” said festival director Helen Pritchard.

“That’s the environment where the best kind of learning happens and where we all realise that we have different identities but ultimately we are all human beings trying to get on with our lives and be loved and keep going.”

So-called ‘allies’ are people who don’t identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, but want to show their support for those who do – perhaps they attend in solidarity with a friend or a family member, or maybe just to show more general support.

“...and this is a really lovely place to come and learn about the community,” Helen promised.

Lots of people coming out with their sexuality or identity choose to make Pride their first event. So how important are those allies at MK Pride?

“Incredibly important,” Helen says in a second, “It is so important for people to have those who support them around them, to care and love them. It makes a direct impact on the outcomes of mental health, homelessness, and it’s really important for future aspirations too.

“If a person is coming out with their gender or sexuality, if they have allies that are saying, ‘We are here for you, let us know what you need us to do,’ that makes such a difference.”

The fact is that although things might seem to be more open and accepting, there is still much more work to be done. The statistics about the numbers of the transgender community likely to try to take their own lives, or self-harm make for sobering reading.

A little bit of acceptance goes a long way – and we all have a responsibility to make a change for good.

The stages will be buzzing with performers and artists. Here is a brief taster:

“Around 25% of those young people homeless in London are that way because of their LGBTQ+ status. Their families have disowned them and they haven’t been able to stay where they were,” Helen explains.

“Milton Keynes mimics that figure,” she said.

“We hope that during the event we can learn about each other and challenge some stereotypes and prejudices about the LGBTQ+ community, our young people are still disproportionately represented in mental health care, homelessness and being bullied in schools or in the community. “Some adults are still unable to come out regarding their gender identity or sexuality as they will be at risk of harm,” Helen said.

In 2021, more than 14,000 people made tracks to the park to enjoy the event, and building on that impressive success, those working behind Stooshe will close the Rainbow Stage

Divina De Campo will bring the curtain down on the Drag and Cabaret Stage

Sarah Jones, the first transgender Anglican priest in the UK will be in conversation in the Community tent

Swimmer Michael Gunning will share his journey of being LGBTQ+ and involved in sport

Showtime Circus will be in charge of the Kids Tent with lots of free fun for all

the scenes have pulled together a fabulous programme this year.

For the first time, kids will have their own space at the festival: “We had so many families come last year that we managed to get a sponsor for the kid’s stage, and we will have free entertainment and activities for them in their own tent.”

Little folks will be able to get involved with craft work, circus skills and will possibly be able to perform on stage too.

A Drag and Cabaret tent will showcase the very best in their respective fields, and a Community tent will be open for discussion around faith and sport, before evolving into the Comedy tent in the evening.

The Rainbow tent returns too, with a full programme of LGBTQ+ bands and artists to get you up and dancing.

If you’ve got the spends, the Rainbow market has lots of what you fancy, with clothing, art, collectibles and much more.

The on-site bar will be well stocked, and there will be plenty of food choices on offer too.

It can be a bustling affair, but if you feel like taking a little chill time, a trip to the Sensory Calming tent will sort you out.

It’ll be fun, fun, fun and hopefully hosted in the sun, but as we’ve explained there is a serious element to Pride, and anyone needing help or advice will be able to access local services providing that support.

Last year, visitors to the gated event made their entrance through a brilliantly colourful, flower arch, but two less than two days after Pride had passed, the rainbow arch was burned. Those responsible had broken into the site to cause upset. Instead, it had the opposite effect – and united people with a wealth of positive publicity. Organisers were upset, but definitely not beaten.

“That was recorded as a hate crime,” Helen said, “There is hate crime and transphobia that happens in Milton Keynes more than people realise, simply because the community is so hidden - they don’t come out, because they don’t feel safe.

“We just felt incredibly sad,” she recalls of the attack, “We had such a positive day and it was such a shame for that to happen, but what we’ve said is that we won’t allow hate to win – we are trying to arrange to have two arches this year to say that.

“It’s about delivering a calm response, but one that says, ‘look, this is not cool, and not ok.’

“Pride is a fun day but it is also a reminder that as a society, we still have much work to do to safeguard and support our LGBTQ+ community within the UK...”

And as this year’s event nears, Helen promises bigger and better is on the way in 2022.

“We have got a wider offer for everybody,” she told Pulse, “We work hard to produce a nice energy and make sure it is such a positive day for everybody. A bit of something for everyone to enjoy and take part in; there is education and community with our speakers, but then we’ve also got all the glitz and the glamour too.

“We’re a city now, and we deserve our own Pride!”

Entry to Milton Keynes Pride Festival is free. The event will run from midday to 10.30pm.

Pride will be open to families and even furbabies from midday to 6pm, after which time all under 18s and pets are asked to leave the event before the more adult-based content takes over.

More information can be found at miltonkeynespridefestival.com

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