Pride in Surrey to celebrate its fifth anniversary in Guildford with a colourful extravaganza in Stoke Park on 21st September.

The Guildford Borough Council’s Liberal Democrat administration, led by Cllr Julia McShane, is delighted that they have been successful in bringing Pride in Surrey to the town, an all-day event that will start with a parade leading to Stoke Park followed by a carnival that will run through until 9.00pm on Saturday 21st September.

Cllr McShane says “It has been very difficult keeping this exciting news quiet until the ink was dry on the agreement with Pride in Surrey.  Pride and the Liberal Democrats share similar progressive values of inclusion, celebration of diversity, acceptance and kindness to all human beings so it feels as if Pride in Surrey is coming home.  The value of the pink pound’s purchasing power is worth £6 billion each year to the UK economy so we know that bringing Pride to Guildford will give a boost to the local economy, an additional benefit alongside a joyful celebration of inclusivity.  I could not be more delighted to share this news.”

Charlie Watts, Chief Executive of Pride in Surrey has hailed their arrival in Guildford as ‘a dream come true.’   

“We have always hoped to one day hold Pride in Surrey in Guildford.  It is an iconic location and we know that there is a higher than average number of people who consider themselves LGBTQ+ living in Guildford, according to the latest Census data*, so we are delighted that we can celebrate our fifth-anniversary event in this historic and welcoming town.  Planning is already underway to make this year's Pride our biggest one yet" 

Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate, Zöe Franklin, was also very pleased when she heard the news of Pride in Surrey’s arrival in Guildford on 21st September. 

“I am delighted that our councillor team, in particular Cllr Julia McShane and Cllr Catherine Houston, would not give up the hope of bringing this event to our town this year and their persistence has paid off.  A fifth anniversary is an important milestone for any organisation, but especially for Pride in Surrey, which is all about celebrating diversity, providing support and connections for the LGBTQ+ community and educating the people of Surrey about LGBTQ+ issues. 

I have been to three of the four Pride in Surrey events so far and they are one of the highlights of my year. They are a time of joy and celebration but they also have the important role of providing a space for people to be free to be completely themselves.  I have already blocked out my diary for Saturday 21st September - I’m really looking forward to being part of it.”

Notes: 

Guildford constituency LGBTQ+ Census Data can be found here https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/constituency-data-lgbt-people-2021-census/