Fridays Bourne Free started wonderfully with a dry morning set up and meeting our colleagues in the arena. What a difference a few hours made. It was amazing to see 'old' members with their partners and children. It was fabulous to see supportive parents travelling from all over Dorset to enable their LGBT+ young people, siblings and grandparents to attend. We got a tad damp (understatement!). Well done to all those who got very soggy but stayed the course. We were proud of our gazebo being the only one to remain fully intact, waterproof and standing! Thanks to everyone for all their help and support. It really is appreciated.. Helen Walsh - CEO
Saturday on the other hand, started off at Bournemouth clifftops on a lovely summer's day where we were greeted with the site of many colourful, decorated vehicles including buses, lorries and floats and hundreds of smiling faces covered in glitter and rainbows. We then started the hour long parade through Bournemouth.
Space Youth Project proudly marched with placards and songs. It was a joy to see support from the local community as hundreds of people gathered on the pavements along the route to cheers us on.
After many cheers we entered Meyrick Park where the young people gathered outside the SYP stall enjoying fresh fruit and refreshments.
The atmosphere within the park was full of acceptance and love. The young people were set free to explore the various intriguing stalls and enjoy the music. At lunchtime pizza was delivered to the stall and we enjoyed it while watching the performances.
After lunch the young people were once again invited to explore the park. SYP also ran a stall selling badges and flags to raise money for the charity.
Overall Pride 2024 was a fantastic success filled with fun, acceptance and of course, pride. We would like to thank the lovely volunteers and the kind sponsors that donated the food for making this event such a success.
Written by Charlie, a Supernova