Totnes in rural Devon, saw its fourth Pride event on September 2, with over 1000 people taking to the streets of the historic market town to celebrate the LGBT+ communities in Devon. Organisers of the event, Devon-based social enterprise Proud2Be, laid on a host of events in the town in what is now
Organisers of the event, Devon-based social enterprise Proud2Be, laid on a host of events in the town in what is now regarded as the UK’s largest rural Pride event.
Mat Price, co-founder of Proud2Be, described Saturday’s pride event as being “our biggest yet”.
He said: “A small team of committed volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that Totnes Pride is an event the whole community can be proud of. This year we had twice the number of people marching with us in the procession. Throughout the day, many commented upon how the atmosphere was so welcoming and inclusive – which is our mark of success. It is brilliant to see it grow every year.”
The day began with speeches from Totnes’ Mayor Eleanor Cohen, Helen Belcher and Proud2Be founders Jon and Mat Price.
During their speech Jon and Mat said: “We started Proud2Be just over 5 years ago, in our Mum’s spare bedroom with nothing but a message that being different is more than okay, it’s better than okay – it’s perfect. This year has been difficult for so many, particularly those who are often marginalised and now more than ever it is crucial that we stick together, because together we are stronger”.
Speeches were followed by a minute’s silence “for those who can’t be with us anymore”.
A ten-foot tall phoenix puppet led this year’s Procession through the town, with an estimated 400 hundred people marching with flags, banners and placards.
The puppet was the result of a collaboration between Proud2Be and local charity ROC Creative, a dedicated Art project which supports adults with learning disabilities.
This year’s theme Together We Are Stronger struck a chord with many.
One attendee commented: “The march up town was the biggest ever, and for some an emotional experience, the ‘Together We Are Stronger’ message is timely and spot on.”
Totnes Methodist Church showed their support by standing alongside two large banners in front of the church, with the message: “Christians for an inclusive world! God loves us all just as we are”.
At Totnes Civic Hall attendees enjoyed a host of activities including workshops and talks. There were community stands, Dot’s Cafe, a youth space and a variety of family friendly activities including art and craft, scrap modelling, face painting and much more.
Throughout the day, the rainbow flag could be seen flying above the Civic Hall after a moving ceremony at the beginning of the week to launch the event.
The afternoon saw a panel discussion at Totnes Cinema, where Helen Belcher was joined by local activists Saif Ali (Integr8 UK) and Charlie Hindley, to discuss how divisions can be broken down within the LGBT+ communities.
The day event was followed by popular after-party, held at Totnes Civic Hall. Partygoers enjoyed performances from local Disco Funk band GoldDust, P?nk (UK’s No.1 tribute to P!nk) and DJ sets from Madame Souza and Rhi Rhi Rhythm.
Proud2Be co-founder Jon said: “For us Totnes Pride is both a protest and a celebration. It is important that we acknowledge that although we have come so far, there is still a long way to go. All over the world, people are still being victimized for simply being who they are. Pride will be relevant until this is no longer the case. The success of the event has also sent a clear message to the rest of the country, that LGBTQIA+ people do exist outside of large cities like London and Manchester and that Totnes embraces us and celebrates our difference. We are so proud to be living here in Totnes.”
“We would like to thank all of our guests, amazing volunteers, the Pride Action Group, and all of our generous funders, sponsors and supporters who helped make the event possible.”
For more information about Proud2Be, click here:
