THE GUIDE TO
A celebration of love, inclusivity and diversity, throughout Shrewsbury Town Centre. SHREWSBURY PRIDE 2024. COME AS YOU ARE, ONCE MORE.
QUEER WE GO AGAIN...
Welcome to the second Shrewsbury Pride!
We had our rainbow socks knocked off by the overwhelming success of the first ever Shrewsbury Pride last year. More than quadruple the number of people we expected turned out to march through Shrewsbury centre and celebrate our flourishing LGBTQIA+ community at events all over the town. Thank you to all community members and allies for making it such a wonderful day!
It’s been emotional to hear what Shrewsbury Pride meant to people: some walked through the town feeling safe, confident and included for the first time. Some travelled home from the cities they’d moved away to years ago, and were amazed at how things had changed. Some met new friends or partners. Some were inspired by the art, music and performances and have begun their own creative ventures.
Building on last year’s successes, we’ve got with even MORE for 2024! More music, more performers, more workshops, more exhibitions and more venues! We’ve delighted to have the places like the Hive and Tap and Can playing a key part this year as well as returning venues like Nerdy and In Good Hands letting us use their amazing community spaces.
More also means more help, and more people to thank. Our core team consists of our designer, Marvellous Max; Great Kate our stage manager for the main stage and Dear Jenn who is organising and hosting the Nerdy Debut stage. And if you want to help shape the future of Shrewsbury Pride,
please consider joining our team, or making a donation. We couldn’t do it without help from our wonderful sponsors to all of whom we are immensely grateful for support and help. And of course, there’s YOU! Shrewsbury Pride is about celebrating our community in its many rainbow colours and you have most certainly be doing that!
Our Pride may be bigger this year, but it’s not a big corporate GentriPride! Shrewsbury Pride still a scruffy and messy Pride organised by friends. We hope you enjoy sharing it with us.
Much love,
PHIL DAVIES & JENS SWIMS PROUD SHREWSBURY PRIDE CO-ORGANISERS
ANOTHER TINY FINAL NOTE
For me, Pride this year is more important than ever. If you take away one thing from this year, love as loud as you can. And to anyone who may feel they can’t be themselves when they walk down the street – I understand. However, this weekend, I will gladly hold your hand and walk right alongside you!
MAX WILKINS DESIGNER OF ALL THINGS SHREWSBURY PRIDE
A TRIBUTE TO GEOFF HARDY
Geoff Hardy – anyone who has been involved in Shrewsbury’s growing acceptance for LGBT+ people in the past forty years has benefited from the outcomes of his labours (along with those of his husband Peter) from the Fruit Bowl to the Shropshire LGBT Helpline to the Rainbow Film Festival to the LGBT History Festival.
Geoff’s vision was for a town that not just grudgingly accepted its LGBT+ citizens, but positively embraced them. There were banners across the main thoroughfares advertising the Rainbow Film Festival, and the festival itself was held at a prominent civic venue and opened by the Mayor; he instigated rainbow flag stickers in shop windows to reassure us that the retailer was friendly to LGBT+ people.
He and Peter campaigned in support of equal marriage and were the first couple in Shropshire to have a civil partnership. Geoff used all means to progress public understanding. They were interviewed on local radio and in the press when LGB issues were in the news, they challenged the RC bishop of Shrewsbury after a pernicious anti-gay Easter sermon, they visited local schools at the invitation of the head teacher to talk about issues of inclusivity and difference.
Geoff was acutely aware how difficult a road it had been to attain relative equality, and how easily it could backtrack. He kept quantities of artefacts from the struggle, creating a personal historical record of campaigning posters, t-shirts, newspapers, books that has been displayed in Shrewsbury’s museum, in The Hive and theatre.
Geoff was a warrior for all subjugated people and actively supported causes for the downtrodden, but perhaps his greatest efforts were made in support of LGBT equality and he attended the very first Pride event in London more than fifty years ago – “Gay people are revolting!” he’d love to say with a smirk. When the landlady in a Shrewsbury pub refused to serve him with the words “I don’t serve people like you,” his rejoinder was “That’s fine, because I want a pint not a person like me!”
PETER GILBERT
WORD & IMAGES ON BEHALF THE LATE, GREAT GEOFF HARDY
With love from all of us, Geoff. This year is for you.
WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE
THE MARKET SQUARE
SHREWSBURY PRIDE IS GO!
Co-Organisers Phil and Jens start off Pride 2024 with performances from Shrewsbury Musical Theatre and Samira – we guarantee both will get everyone in the mood for the day’s events! STARTS 11.00AM
THE PRIDE MARCH
Expect singing, dancing, music and drums as members of the local LGBTQ+ community, friends and allies walk through the town centre celebrating love, diversity and inclusivity. 12.00–1.00PM
THE BEFIBRE STAGE
Upbeat singers, breathtaking dancers; hilarious drag performers; musical theatre and choirs, and so much more! The BeFibre Stage brings the Pride celebrations to the heart of Shrewsbury. Come as you are! 1.00–5.00PM
ST.
MARY’S CHURCH
THE 32 ND ANNUAL CAMRA SHREWSBURY BEER FESTIVAL
Come along and try Rainbow Dream – with enormous thanks to Shrewsbury CAMRA Beer Festival for providing us with our first beer celebrating Shrewsbury Pride!
ALL DAY SATURDAY
EVOLUTION ROLLER DERBY AND XR DRUMMERS
You’ll have seen them on the parade, now you can watch the skaters of Evolution Roller Derby and hear the drummers of XR Rhythm as they put on an exhibition of sound and movement. 1.00–2.00PM
THE LIBRARY
RAINBOW STORYTIME WITH GLYN
Glyn works with families and children from babies to primary age, and is passionate about showcasing diversity and community. Join them with a rainbow storytime suitable for younger children. 1.30–2.00PM
RAINBOW STORYTIME WITH DANIELLE
Danielle is a Shropshire-based storyteller, joining Shrewsbury Pride again this year! STARTS 2.00PM
SYA ALL ABOUT YOUTH / XYZ YOUTH GROUP
SYA/XYZ Youth Group will be here with a bake sale, raffle and crafts. 1.00–4.00PM
SHREWSBURY MUSEUM
WE ARE PROUD EXHIBITION
Katie Plenty asked the local community to share what makes us proud on a 7”x 5” postcard and has created a wonderfully colourful, vibrant, and thought-provoking exhibition. ALL WEEKEND
THE GREENHOUSE, MILK ST.
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN FEAST
With live music from two of Shrewsbury’s own, Hannah and Brian. 7.30–9.30PM
SATURDAY 28TH 10AM–MIDNIGHT
NERDY, MARDOL
THE DEBUT STAGE
New for this year! Hosted by Jenn Deere, come and show your support to performers making their first appearances on stage in front of a live audience. See them before they become famous! 3.00–4.30PM
CUPS COFFEE AND CREATORS, CASTLE ST.
THEE MAJESTY’S PUPPET SHOWCASE
This hardworking puppet group be seen around the town centre – but you can catch them here in the afternoon. See a wonderful range of handmade puppets and find out more about them! STARTS 2.00PM
AFTERNOON ART WITH PHILL Phill suggests that anyone who can manage a pencil, can draw. Offering drawing hints and tips he seeks to demystify drawing. Drop in and find out more… STARTS 3.00PM
IN GOOD HANDS MUSIC CAFE,
FRANKWELL
SPOKEN WORD OPEN MIC
Join local musicians and performers as they share their stories, poems and songs. Featuring Alan Jenkins, Alyssa Walker and Sofia ‘Scribbler’ Lewis. 2.00–4.00PM
HMV, DARWIN CENTRE
QUEER LIVE MUSIC
HMV offers their weekend musical spotlight to local LGBTQ+ performers. FROM 2.00PM
THE UNITARIAN CHURCH, HIGH ST.
INFORMATION ZONE + MEDICAL SUPPORT
Stands and information from a range of organisations such as SAND (Safe Ageing, No Discrimination) Shropshire Fostering, AgeUK, RSPB and others. 1.00–5.00PM
OFFICIAL PRIDE MERCH
From flags and banners, to this year’s Shrewsbury Pride T-Shirt. You’ll find all your official Shrewsbury Pride Merch here! With enormous thanks to Oswestry Pride for bringing this all together. 1.00–5.00PM
TAP AND CAN, CASTLE GATES
THE TAP TAKEOVER Queer and trans-owned brewing company Queer Brewing take over the taps as the Tap and Can celebrate love, diversity and great beer! Over a dozen queer-themed beers available, along with full tasting notes. ALL WEEKEND
THE FLAXMILL, SPRING GARDENS
ANDY McKEOWN INSTALLATION
Drop in and see a Pride-themed installation from light and sound artist Andy McKeown in the Turned Wood Cafe. There’s also a chance to see more of Andy’s work this weekend at the Flaxmill, as part of the Flaxmill Voices community project. 10.00AM–4.00PM
WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE SATURDAY
SELFIE SPOTS, VARIOUS
The ideal places to take the perfect Selfie. Shrewsbury Pride is delighted to highlight local artists who have created some wonderful designs! ALL WEEKEND
NATIONWIDE – RACHEL EVANS WRITE HERE – AJ
NERDY – MILLIE HARRISON, CLAIRE MARTINEZ
CUPS COFFEE AND CREATORS – RICHARD KEAY
BIRD AND BEER, CASTLE FOREGATE
BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH – THE PRIDE DRAG SPECIAL
A bottomless brunch that all sass, class and an endless glass! Featuring beers from Queer Brewing. Unlimited chicken, all you can drink and drag acts guaranteed to be fabulous! 1.00–2.30PM
THE ALB, SMITHFIELD RD.
BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH – THE SHREWSBURY PRIDE SPECIAL
Two hours of unlimited drinks and pizza –plus 10% of proceeds go to local charities supported by Shrewsbury Pride. A fabulous celebration of love and community.
1.00–3.00PM
THE WHEATSHEAF, FRANKWELL
PRIDE CELEBRATIONS
Join the team at the Wheatsheaf as they celebrate with live music, drag performers and fun! FROM 2.00PM
THE HIVE, BELMONT
AFTERNOON PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MING DE NASTY
Ming has been a photographer for over 35 years, working with local and national art organisations with exhibitions all over the UK. With a keen interest in LGBTQ+ history, Ming has recorded events such as Birmingham Pride and is supporting Shrewsbury Pride! FROM 2.00PM
TALKS AT THE HIVE
NAOMI YATES – CLIMATE ACTIVISM
Naomi creates a space for conversation, education and creativity, using art as an outlet to express concerns and solutions.
1.15–2.45PM
ANDY LEAKE – QUEER JOURNALISM
Andy shares his story from how growing up in Shrewsbury continues to influence his work, advice on how to enter journalism, as well as the importance of LGBT+ journalism and bringing underrepresented perspectives to mainstream media. 3.00–3.30PM
LUCY APHRAMOR – QUEER NUTRITION
Lou explains their approach towards creating a better world by using food and body stories as an entry point to key life, lifestyle, and physical and mental health questions. 3.30–5.00PM
THE BUTTERMARKET
PRIDE PARTY WITH DJ AND PET SHOP BOYS, ACTUALLY
Shropshire’s premier Pet Shop Boys Tribute act bring Saturday to a close with favourites such as It’s a Sin, West End Girls and more! 6.00PM–MIDNIGHT
THE HIVE, BELMONT
JODIE MITCHELL, BECOMING JOHN TRAVULVA
Award-winning macho comic John Travulva teams up with his protégé, queer, non-binary class-straddler Jodie Mitchell, in their debut show about gender identity, taking up space and drag kinging. 7.00–8.00PM
ENGLISH BRIDGE WORKSHOPS
REVOLUTION GROOVES PARTY
Expect the best in Soul, Funk, House, Disco; Reggae, and Global beats. Come as you are, loud and proud! 6.00PM–MIDNIGHT
A leading provider of affordable homes in Shropshire and Staffordshire
MARKET SQUARE BEFIBRE STAGE NERDY, MARDOL DEBUT STAGE
HOSTS – PHIL & JENS
11.20–11.35AM – SHREWSBURY MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY (CHOIR)
11.40–11.55 – SAMIRA (MUSIC)
12.00–1.00PM
THE PRIDE MARCH
1.00–2.00PM
HOST – AMARANTA
1.00–1.15PM – DANCING WITH DANNI (DANCE)
1.20–1.35PM – WICKED THE MUSICAL (ABRIDGED)
HOST – PHILLI ME UP
3.00–3.15PM – JOEY S QUIRE (DRAG)
3.20–3.35PM – SALLY JONES (MUSIC)
3.40–3.55PM – IDRIS NEEDLE (MUSIC)
2.00–3.00PM
11.00AM–12.00PM 3.00PM–4.30PM 3.00–4.00PM 4.00–5.00PM 5.00–5.30PM
1.40–1.55PM – CHUTS (MUSIC) HOST – AMARANTA
2.00–2.15PM – GET YOUR WIGLE ON (CHOIR)
2.20–2.35PM – ANNIE MANI A.C. (DRAG)
2.40–2.55PM – ROBYN MARSH (MUSIC)
HOSTS – MR BRAKEDOWN & COUNT D. RANGED
4.00–4.15PM – JILLI GREY AND MEL BAILEY (MUSIC)
4.20–4.35PM – HANNAH AND BRIAN (MUSIC)
4.40–4.55PM – THEO DUSSEK (MUSIC) HOSTS – PHIL & JENS
5.00–5.15PM – THE PEOPLES’ SHOW CHOIR
5.20–5.30PM – PHIL & JENS (CLOSE)
HOST – JENN DEERE AS P. JENN SUPPORT – MICAH KNIGHT FEATURING THE FOLLOWING PERFORMERS:
• AVERY PICKARD
• BETHANY BRYAN
• MAX POWELL
• SYLVIA BLACK
PLUS MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!
SPONSORED BY
ADS LIKE THESE HELP SUPPORT SHREWSBURY PRIDE!
WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE SUNDAY 29TH 10AM–TWILIGHT
THE
HIVE, BELMONT
MAKEOVER MORNING
10.00AM–12.00 NOON
VISIBLY MENDED WORKSHOP
Drop in and stitch the rainbow with local artist Katie Davies. Learn how a colourful sashiko stitch can personalise, reinforce and mend. Bring your torn clothes or create a patch to take away! No experience necessary, all materials provided.
BLOCK PRINTING
Give your clothes a splash of colour and a Pride theme. Bring your own clothes, or something you’ve picked up today and make them truly unique! Printing kit, folding tables, ink trays and rollers, drying rack all provided.
CLOTHES SWAP
Bring in your clothes that no longer fit, you no longer wear, or no longer match your gender and swap them for something new! Why not personalise your finds at the block-printing or visibly mending workshop sessions?
MAKE-UP TUTORIAL
Andromeda shares tips and tricks on to how to get your make-up looking runway-ready. Shantay you stay!
IMPROV WORKSHOP
Matthew Watson-Jones runs series of improv workshops nationally and internationally and brings his enormous sense of fun, character and quick invention to Shrewsbury Pride. Suitable for all ages. 5.00–7.00PM
THE
UNITARIAN CHURCH, HIGH ST.
INTERFAITH SERVICE – WHY WE NEED PRIDE
Sian Murray, lay reader from Gatacre Chapel leads the service. Coffee and cake to follow afterwards. FROM 11.00AM
THE TAP TAKEOVER ALTERNATIVE PRIDE GIG
SOMETHING 4 THE WEEKEND
A passionate four-piece multi-decade spanning rock band, fusing high-quality musicians and powerful vocals to bring a fresh spin to classic tunes. 3.00PM
TAP AND CAN, CASTLE GATES
BOOM BOOM WOMB
Riot Grrrl Punk band, bringing in-your-face lyrics with riffs and beats to have you grinding your hips and banging your heads. Loud, energetic and empowering. 5.00PM
THEO DUSSEK, PIRATE TOUBADOR
Mixing traditional elements of singalong folk songs with modern indie-folk, Theo seeks to merge deep reflective stories with rhythmic, uplifting music with which to serenade his audience. FROM 11.00AM
THE ROCK CHOIR
The local group of the national Rock Choir family of contemporary choirs sing and perform a variety of feel-good hit songs. WEATHER DEPENDENT 2.00–3.00PM
LOVE2SING CHOIR
A high-energy, uplifting adult contemporary choir who just love to perform! We pride ourselves on singing songs that make people smile and want to sing and dance along. Singing a range of songs from artists such as Mcfly, Queen, A-Ha and Tina Turner they look to create a fun, party atmosphere. FROM 3.00PM THE FLAXMILL, SPRING GARDENS
NERDY, MARDOL
[TOP SECRET]
Drag King Count D’Ranged brings you… Well, that would be telling, wouldn’t it?
7.00–9.00PM
ANY GIVEN REASON
Six-piece metalcore group; mixing face-melting riffs, hard-hitting lyrics and dirty breakdowns to create a high-energy, crowd-engaging performance. 4.00PM
"Love yourself, whatever makes you different, and use
JUST IN CASE THE TOWN MAP
BIRD&BEER, TAP AND CAN
SHREWSBURY’S BEST SPOT FOR FRIED CHICKEN & CRAFT BEER!
Nestled in the heart of Shrewsbury’s Castle Quarter, Bird&Beer is a family-run, independent restaurant, and the second brainchild of Andrew & Rachael Hooper. Following the success of their first venture, Tap and Can, the Hoopers launched Bird&Beer two years later, driven by their passion for great food and craft beers. If you love crispy fried chicken and expertly brewed craft beer, Bird&Beer is the ultimate destination for a relaxed and flavourful dining experience.
WHAT’S ON OVER PRIDE
BIRD&BEER DRAG SHOW FRIDAY 7.00–9.00PM THE TAP TAKEOVER ALL WEEKEND
BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH SATURDAY 1.30–3.30PM
TAP AND CAN ALTERNATIVE PRIDE GIG SUNDAY 3.00–6.00PM
CUSTOM PRIDE SHIRT AVAILABLE ALL WEEKEND
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY VISIT
At Bird&Beer, we are deeply committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, especially the LGBTQ+ community. As proud partners of Shrewsbury Pride 2024, we are dedicated to fostering a safe space where everyone can feel celebrated and respected. To mark this special partnership, we’re hosting an exciting Drag Special Bottomless Brunch, featuring 90 minutes of unlimited fried chicken (with vegan options available), exclusive beers from Queer Brewing, and performances by two fabulous drag entertainers. It’s our way of showing support, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that Bird&Beer remains a space where all are welcome!
ADDRESS
Chronicle House, 6 Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury SY1 2DJ
OPENING TIMES
Wednesday–Thursday 4.00–9.30PM; Friday-Saturday 12.00–10.00PM
MORE
www.birdandbeer.co.uk @birdandbeer
EX LIBRIS BOOK
DISCUSSION GROUP
The Ex Libris Book Discussion Group is specifically for LGBTQ+ people who love books and/or reading, and operates under the umbrella of Shropshire Libraries. Each year we get a list of books from Shrewsbury library from which each member makes several choices. This is then collated into a reading list for the year.
We meet on Zoom on the third Thursday of the month to discuss the book we have been reading (which means you don’t have to live in Shrewsbury to join in!) But don’t worry, we
aren’t too heavy – we are a very social group and chat about lots of other stuff as well. However, no-one who joins should feel they have to attend every meeting or every book. If a new member doesn’t live in or is unable to travel to Shrewsbury, or doesn’t want a physical copy of the book we’re reading, they may find it at their local library or on Kindle.
Anyone wishing to join us, or has queries, can contact me on asankhata@yahoo.com, and I will send your details to the person with the Zoom link, which is sent out just before the meeting. I also send out the details of the next book before the meeting, so you can be fully prepared.
SHROPSHIRE SENIOR RAINBOW FRIENDS
The Shropshire Senior Rainbow Friends is a new organization for LGBTQ+ people over 50 years of age; who live, work, and play in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and the Borders. We started off with the support of Safe Ageing No Discrimination (SAND) as an informal group meeting monthly in the Café in 2022.
We recently changed our name to reflect the warmth and inclusivity of the people who attend, all of whom are members of the Friends. We have adopted a Constitution as we intend to be around for a long time and to increase our membership.
The membership is diverse and welcoming to new people. We aim to provide a safe and comfortable space for older LGBT+ people and to create a social network and mutual support. Our monthly meetings have embraced subjects as diverse as:
• Our ‘coming out,’ books, and what they meant and mean to us
• Life planning – what it means to get older and what support is on offer
• Working with SAND on various projects that are relevant to LGBTQ+ ageing in Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin
• Love tokens incorporating the making and sharing of the same
• Days out
• And a general natter and get together over a cup of coffee (or tea) and a cake.
So, if you want to get to know us, please come along to our table at Pride. We may even be able to provide you with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake!
ADS LIKE THESE HELP SUPPORT SHREWSBURY PRIDE!
SAFE AGEING, NO DISCRIMINATION
SAND is a community interest company whose goal is to improve the experiences and increase the expectations of LGBTQ+ people as they age in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.Established on 15th July 2013, the SAND Action Group has met pretty well monthly since. So, for over 10 years, SAND has been listening to LGBT+ people talk about their life experiences, hopes, fears and concerns about growing older, and growing old in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
We believe that if we can:
• Identify and address the barriers that impact on LGBTQ+ wellbeing in later life
• Bring about change in organisations’ working practice
• Tap into influential policy making channels;
Then we can fundamentally influence the way in which LGBTQ+ people and those who care for them experience – and expect to experience – ageing.
SAND believes that those experiences could be better and in 2019, we launched our campaign EMBRACE A Culture of Inclusion. This has kept us busy talking to a range of organisations providing care, or housing, or information and advice about what they can do to address some of those fears and concerns. We aim to put ourselves out of a job by creating a groundswell of organisations working to be more inclusive, understanding why that matters and building positive change into their everyday work.
We cannot do this alone, we need friends and allies to ask questions, raise concerns, congratulate when things go well, complain when they don’t and keep explaining to others why all of this matters. We find that the more we talk about older and old LGBT+ people, the more people ‘get’ that we exist!
Something very exciting has happened in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin over the past 5 years. A movement to embrace a culture of inclusion, which everyone can join and build together. Keep on top of developments by subscribing to the SAND Newsletter.
Further information from Sal Hampson, SAND Director – sal@lgbtsand.com
www.lgbtsand.com
SHROPSHIRE RAINBOW FILM FESTIVAL
The Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival started in 2006, stating that “Films are the mirrors of our hopes, our dreams, our diversity, our lives”. A bold statement meant to challenge the dominance of heterosexual stories and images in film. Prior to the early years of this century, portrayals of LGBTQ+ people were generally as ‘mad, bad or sad’.
In the early days while the Festival at the Old Market Hall Cinema was the main event, we also nurtured a brand which has been present in Shrewsbury, Telford, Ludlow, Oswestry and Market Drayton. LGBTQ+ films have been screened for World Aids Day, Shrewsbury Summer Season, LGBTQ+ History Month, IDAHOT, Holocaust Memorial Day and the 40 th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
In the early years it wasn’t easy to find good quality films, good enough stories, a broad representation of LGBTQ+ communities, films made in different parts of the world! And, we tried to select films that audiences may not otherwise get a chance to see (sometimes at the cost of cinematic quality). We also sought out opportunities to hear from the makers and the protagonists; hearing the challenges of film production and bringing to light issues in countries experiencing massive opposition to LGBTQ+ lives: Belarus, Uganda, Georgia, East Berlin.
The Festival also proved to be a catalyst for other LGBTQ+ adventures across the county. In 2010, LFest, invited the SRFF to programme and screen films at their inaugural lesbian festival, at the Showgrounds in Shrewsbury. This relationship continued for 3 years. Films popped up in other places too – Oswestry Film Society began an annual Pride Season; the Old Market Hall in-house programmer started programming occasional LGBT+ themed films; the Shrewsbury LGBT+ History Festival grew and SAND was built on the firm foundations of the UK premiere screening of Gen Silent in 2012.
Check out What’s On on the Old Market Hall website, and if you want to contact us on our website, rainbowfilmfestival.org.uk
SYA – ALL ABOUT YOUTH GROUP
We believe that all young people deserve the best start to life, which is why we try our best to ensure that every child and young person is provided with the best possible opportunities and experiences when they join us at SYA.
We feel there are too many young people who don’t have access to suitable youth provision, so we make sure to we offer age-appropriate facilities, such as nearby youth groups or clubs, and that they have sufficient support from us.
SYA supports a number of youth clubs, groups and organisations across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, providing children and young people with life changing opportunities. We have a mission to provide Shropshire’s young people with a chance – to discover
their confidence, make friends and create fond memories. Working with young people in voluntary partnership to create a safe and positive learning environment, young people are empowered to gain skills, knowledge and understanding which enable them to develop to their own potential
SYA continually adapts its curriculum to respond to the changing needs and interests of young people, promoting diversity, challenging oppression and addressing issues that relate to culture, race, sexuality, gender, disability, age, religion and class.
LGBT SHREWSBURY!
Want to know what’s on in Shrewsbury? Look no further than LGBTshrewsbury.co.uk!
Our six pages contain News and Events details, info about groups that meet regularly, one off events, help and support, some unusual facts about our town and its LGBTQ+ heritage (with a mapped walking trail), and stuff about friendly businesses.
The webpage is backed by a monthly email directly into your Inbox to ensure you never miss out. LGBTshrewsbury.co.uk started in 2013 when Peter Gilbert dropped off hundreds of printed cards into Shrewsbury’s cafes and venues advertising the web address for two simple, static pages with
meeting arrangements and contact details of local LGBTQ+ groups.
LGBTshrewsbury.co.uk is the essential first stop for info on what’s on and where. To submit any news items please email lgbtshrewsbury@hotmail.com
LOOK ALIVE, IT’S THE HIVE!
The Hive is an independent charity and community arts centre, located right at the heart of town on Belmont. As a charity, we work with children and young people facing complex challenges across Shropshire. Our wellbeing projects are designed to work with those most in need in our local communities and to increase opportunities for everyone to access high quality arts experiences.
Children and young people who come to the Hive can join creative projects and learning experiences such as Buzzy Beats and the Shropshire Youth Theatre. Through Amplify, we also nurture talent and provide opportunities within the music industry, providing support from freelancers to develop skills and confidence in sound engineering, producing, marketing, and performing.
As a community centre, we offer a huge array of events open to everyone, including arts and crafts workshops, folk and jazz performances, film nights, art exhibitions, life drawing classes, choir rehearsals and a great deal more. If you want to work out-of-office in a lively environment with a garden and café, we offer hot desking, and if you have a creative project you would like to share with the world, the Hive is a welcoming and supportive space, full of kind and caring people who can get you on the right path.
Despite all this, the Hive is currently struggling financially and our campaign to Save the Hive is underway. To find out more about what we do, and to support us, visit www.hiveonline.org.uk/ or donate here:
VISIBLY MENDED WORKSHOP KATIE DAVIES, THE HIVE
SUNDAY 10.00AM–12.00 NOON
THE HIVE, SPONSORED BY
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! AND OF COURSE, DONATE NOW
IF YOU’VE ENJOYED SHREWSBURY PRIDE, PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO KEEP PRIDE FREE AND OPEN TO ALL, AS IT SHOULD BE – WE ARE NOT GENTRIPRIDE!
