Originally published 2018
Ten years ago, four thousand people came here for the very first Norwich Pride. Since that day, lots has changed, but Norwich Pride remains one of the most popular, colourful and inclusive events in the city’s calendar; a day when rainbows bedeck shops, cafes and the lions outside city hall, and groups of people from all over take to the streets to celebrate the LGBT+ community.
And what a day it is.
Last year, Norwich welcomed around 7,000 into the city for this free, all-day event. The parade danced and cheered its way through Norwich’s historic streets, in a cacophony of music and colour, which made its way from City Hall to Chapelfield Gardens. EVERYONE was in the party mood. Even the police – their car stationed at Chapelfield Gardens after they took part in the parade – treated onlookers to a dance routine. It was an incredible day.
This year, Norwich Pride celebrates its tenth birthday. A whole decade of an event which is run solely by the hard work of some very dedicated volunteers, and supported by kind donations. On the 28th of July this year, the WHOLE city will be celebrating. Will you be there?
The Parade
Like last year, the parade will follow the same pattern as previous years. It begins at 1pm from Norwich City Hall, then make its way to Chapelfield Gardens, where the main stage show will begin at 2pm. Also at Chapelfield will be stalls, sponsor tents, food and drinks, and much more besides! Joining in? Fancy dress is absolutely encouraged!
Mr dod – Powerhoop workout and Laughter Yoga!
Start the day as you mean to go on – surrounded by swirling colours and in fits of giggles. Mr dod is an award winning fitness instructor (Norfolk’s Award Winning Best Fitness Instructor 2017 & 2018, dontcha know), and a big friend of Norwich Pride. The morning of the 28th, join him at The Forum for a colourful Powerhoop workout at 10am, followed by a good-for-the-soul dose of Laughter Yoga at 11am.
True Stories Live – Too Much Information
Molly Naylor and LJ Hope Productions will be bringing a Pride edition of this really wonderful event to Norwich Arts Centre, on 29th of July, at 7.30pm. If you’ve not been before, the premise of True Stories Live is simple: taking to the stage are real people, telling short stories and anecdotes they’ve submitted around a given theme. This time, the theme is ‘Too much information’, and as with every event, you can expect to feel a whole spectrum of emotion. From the laugh-until-you-get-a-six-pack funny stories, to the silently heartbreaking, this is an event like no other in the city and one not to be missed.
Print to the People
Creative, inky and trailblazing social enterprise ‘Print to the People’ will be back working at Norwich Pride in order to create unique and hand printed merchandise for the Pride Shop. You can print your own Pride 10 t-shirt with Print to the People on Pride day.
Theatre!
Norwich Theatre Royal and Norwich Playhouse have put together a glittering programme of performance, art and theatre activities as part of Norwich Pride. On Tuesday, July 24, in Stage Two, there will be a live performance of OUT140 – a micro-storytelling project created by Shelly Telly for the Norwich Pride celebrations. That same week Stage Two will also host Katie O’Donell’s ‘You’ve Changed’, Stephen Bailey in ‘Can’t Think Straight’ and sparkling, razzle-dazzle variety performance by La Voix! British illustrator David Shenton is currently creating a huge 24ft x 8ft artwork featuring the public’s favourite gay icons which will be displayed around the Theatre’s venues, and on the 28th July itself budding creatives will have the chance to join in Pride celebrations with a riot of rainbow related craft activities such as making your own Pride flag, crown and much more (backstage at Stage 2)!
Cake!
Once again, The Assembly House will be celebrating Norwich Pride by cooking up a spongy storm. For the second year running Pastry chef Mark Mitson will bring back his colourful version of the signature House cake – the Gateau Opera – for July 28th and 29th, following the success of the rainbow cake last year.
“We are proud to join Norwich Pride and celebrate the LGBT community in the city,” said Chef Director Richard Hughes. “So many people asked us to bring back Mark’s rainbow cake – we just hope it brings sunshine to a great weekend!”
The Rainbow Gateau Opera will also be available for sale separately. Afternoon Tea at The Assembly House costs £20.95 for one and £40.00 for two, booking in advance is advised.
Photo: Rainbow Teas that will be on the menu at the Assembly House, Norwich. By Steve Adams
