Pride Torbay

Organisers of Pride Torbay, a three day LGBT festival on the English Riviera in South Devon, are promising one of the most colourful and quirky pride events in the world in 2010. The event, which runs from Friday 11th till Sunday 13th June will feature pub and club nights, boat trips, a pool barbecue, a street party, a big gay picnic, a football tournament and an exclusive gay circus event taking place in the UK’s only full-sized pink circus tent!
 
Matt Newbury, Pride Torbay chairman said: “We approached the owners of the circus and asked if they would work with us on developing a special gay-themed circus spectacular and we are delighted to say that they jumped at the chance. Cirque du so Gay will take place on Torre Abbey Meadows in Torquay on the Saturday afternoon of Pride Torbay and feature amazing circus acts, drag acts, live divas, outrageous dancers and lots of audience participation.
 
“The tent will also feature a special charity bar helping raise even more money for the designated charities – Eddystone Trust and Rowcroft Hospice. And before anyone asks, no there won't be any animals…although a few sexy beasts I’m sure! This is so unusual and unique, it’s sure to be a sell-out.”    
 
Pride Torbay is very much about celebrating both diversity and the stunning natural heritage of the English Riviera. With this in mind, organisers have put together a pride festival that includes lots of fun and educational events that show off this beautiful part of the UK at its best.
 
Highlights include a boat party across the bay on a historic World War 2 ship, a pool barbecue in the palm- filled gardens of the UK’s first gay resort hotel and the return of the Meadfoot Road Street Party, this year starring Hazell Dean and Eurovision sensation Nicki French.
 
Other highlights include a gay heritage walk which has been developed especially for Pride Torbay 2010 and a gay picnic and fete in the stunning grounds of Torre Abbey starring 4 Poofs and a Piano. Other top acts that will appear over the weekend include Alphabeat, hot on the back of supporting Lady Gaga on tour.
 
Sarah Wighton, Pride Torbay secretary said: “We believe that Pride Torbay is set to develop into the biggest gay pride event outside of the larger UK cities, showing that we welcome LGBT visitors not only during the festival but for the rest of the year as well. Not only is the event fantastic for the local LGBT community and their friends and family, but for visitors as well. For one weekend the English Riviera becomes the Rainbow Riviera, so come and join in the outrageous fun!” 

Last year, Torbay presented it's first ever Gay Pride Festival on the English Riviera. The four day festival ran from Thursday, 16th to Sunday, 19th of July and offered a fabulous lineup of events running from Thursday to Sunday. Last year really did offer something for everyone. The event was to raise money for sexual health charity The Eddystone Trust and Rowcroft Hospice.

Interestingly, one of the most unique LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans) marketing strategies came from the Torbay Gay Pride organisers last year, with the use of the 'pink pound' as an ideal and, some may say, ingenious method of placing pink stickers on one side of pound coins advertising Torbay Pride.