Poole Pride to return for 2025!

Poole Pride is set to return for 2025! With its home at Lighthouse – Poole’s centre for the arts – the day-long free festival on Saturday, 7 June plans to include cabaret, comedy and music performances as well as workshops, talks and craft.“It’s a day for all communities to be proud of, a celebration of the beautiful and diverse identities of the town’s people in a safe space where everyone can be themselves,” says Martha Earley, Creative Engagement Manager at Lighthouse.

“And as a much-loved part of life in Poole, Lighthouse is perfectly placed to host an event that absolutely encapsulates inclusivity and features some first-class entertainment as well.”

Hoping to reprise its success from last year, the Come On Out Cabaret will stage performances showcasing local LGBTQ+ artists; while Dorsetborn’s Writing Out Loud will provide a platform for heartfelt LGBTQ+ stories written and performed by local queer artists.

Sukie Baker who, as ‘tender revolutionary’ Thorn, compered the Come On Out Cabaret, says: “People were excited to be at their first Pride in their hometown, having it here in Poole was an amazing thing.”

New for 2025, the ‘gayleidh’ is sure to be a memorable highlight and there’s no shortage of other opportunities to get into the groove with a baby rave, silent disco and even a queer lunchtime recital.

Dorset-based artist-sewist Matt Wilding will also be showing his installation, Wings of Pride. Quilted in two pieces and based on an eagle’s wingspan, the wings are both a celebration of Pride and can also be used to protect and comfort. On the front are the colours of the progressive Pride flag while the back is all gold fabric with the thread in Pride colours.

Martha Earley adds: “Poole Pride was started in order to make a real and lasting impact on the town and the fact that it is back for a second year means if even just one LGBTQ+ person feels more seen, more valid, more welcomed, and more supported, it will be a success.”

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