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Pride events in Kent this summer

With plenty of vibrant colours, glitter and music, the rainbow flag will be raised once again for Pride this summer.

The annual, worldwide event celebrates the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, but everyone is invited to join the party.

Margate Pride parade
Margate Pride parade

Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets across Kent to celebrate with their communities, enjoy performances and spread awareness of LGBT issues.

Canterbury Pride

Saturday, June 13

Canterbury will be holding its fifth Pride Parade this year, promising it to be "bigger, better, prouder" than previous years.

The event is currently looking for sponsors who can advertise their brand at the parade while doing something good for the community.

Last year, 20,000 people gathered to celebrate Canterbury Pride, with Gok Wan and Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud marching alongside them.

A man wearing the rainbow flag makes his way through Canterbury at Pride last year
A man wearing the rainbow flag makes his way through Canterbury at Pride last year

Swale Pride

Saturday, June 20

Swale's pride event will be held in Faversham this year, with a parade starting at 1pm and ending at 8pm.

It was thought 700 jubilant parade-goers turned up to last year's event, most of which were from Kent.

The organisers have said further details of this years event are coming soon.

Hundreds of people took part in the Swale parade
Hundreds of people took part in the Swale parade

Faversham Pride

Saturday, June 27

Faversham Pride is held in two parts - a free family-friendly BBQ party for anyone and everyone to attend, then an over 18s PRIDE party later in the evening.

The event is hosted by West Faversham Community Association (WFCA) who will be putting live music, games and activities on the schedule.

The evening events will also include drag acts and dancing with a house DJ.

Harvey the chocolate lab with his pride garland in Tunbridge Wells
Harvey the chocolate lab with his pride garland in Tunbridge Wells

Folkestone Pride

Saturday, July 18

Folkestone's LGBT event will be held in The Leas Cliff Hall again this year.

The event organisers are planning to hold talks on history, art and culture and say there will be something for everyone.

Stalls and food stands will also be at the celebrations, with pitches available to small businesses and food vendors. Organisers are now looking for volunteers to help set up the event.

Folkestone Pride procession
Folkestone Pride procession

Sheppey Pride

Saturday, 25 July

After being cancelled last year, Sheppy Pride is back to party in Queenborough. Last year they promised 2020's celebrations would "be bigger and better than our plans for 2019."

The event will be hosted by drag queen Vicki Vivacious with cover musician Paul Middleton performing on the main stage at The Rose Inn.

Sheppey Pride committee members
Sheppey Pride committee members

Margate Pride

Saturday, August 8

Margate will be celebrating Pride for the fifth year in a row, with rainbow flags set to be flowing to the main sands.

Further details are yet to be announced by the event organisers.

Last year, Mel C headlined the Saturday evening show at Dreamland.

There was lots of live music at Dreamland as part of Margate Pride. Picture: Dreamland Margate
There was lots of live music at Dreamland as part of Margate Pride. Picture: Dreamland Margate

Tunbridge Wells Pride

Saturday, August 15

Tunbridge Wells will be celebrating their fourth pride this year. However further details are yet to be confirmed.

Last year, RuPaul's Drag Race star Charlie Hides performed at the event - but the organisers promise this year will be bigger than ever before.

Tunbridge Wells Pride
Tunbridge Wells Pride

Gravesham Pride

Saturday, August 15

Gravesham will be celebrating their first Pride event this year, which will be held in Community Square in the heart of the county.

The event was set up after popular demand from the public, enthusiastic to have an event for their community's LGBT people.

Gravesham Pride will update their website with more details.

Gravesham Pride secretary, Jon Glen and chairman, Helanna Chapman-Shelley
Gravesham Pride secretary, Jon Glen and chairman, Helanna Chapman-Shelley

Medway Pride

Saturday, August 22

Medway is also getting its first Pride festival this summer, open to anyone who wants to celebrate diversity in the towns.

The parade will make its way through Chatham and Rochester, where locals will demonstrate their talent in a grand finale on the Rochester Castle grounds.

Volunteers will be needed to help out on the day of the event which runs from 1pm to 8pm.

WATCH: Organisers for the Pride celebrations in Medway and Gravesham speak to KMTV

Dover Pride

Saturday, August 29

Dover is celebrating their second Pride this summer.

After holding a public meeting in February, organisers will be preparing for the event's attractions, details of which will be released soon.

Their first event last year was a massive success, with swathes of people enjoying the festivities.

Mademoiselle Indigo and Poppy Love performed at Dover Pride last year
Mademoiselle Indigo and Poppy Love performed at Dover Pride last year

For more ideas on days out and things to do, head to our What’s On section

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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