As a Supernova, I can tell you that plans for Bourne Free 2020 were very much underway. I mean, I had already been mapping out the playlist in my head for weeks. This makes writing this all the more upsetting: Pride 2020 is, for the most part, cancelled. The strain that the Coronavirus is putting on the businesses who sponsor the event; on the emergency services who protect the event; on the venues we use for the event has made it all the more apparent that we must wait until 2021 to ensure that we can all safely enjoy ourselves at the pride we deserve.
Bourne Free
The trustees at Bourne Free released a statement not long ago announcing the unfortunate cancellation of this summer’s events on the weekend of July 3-5th. However, all is not lost! The Bourne Free committee has assured us that they are already planning and working on Bourne Free 2021 to make it even more of a celebration, so look forward to that!
Click here for Bourne Free's full statement.
Weymouth & Dorchester
As of when I am writing this [15/04/2020] there has been limited news on Weymouth pride and the Anonymous & Love Festival in Dorchester. I have contacted Anonymous festival as to whether or not they will be postponing and any news I receive will be posted here in an update so keep an eye out for that! As far as I can tell, however, both events seem to be going ahead as usual this year. If it does go ahead, Weymouth pride is on the 25th July and the Anonymous festival is on the 29th August. Weymouth Gay Group has closed their doors as they rely on pubs to hold their meetings but Space Youth Project have youth workers online during usual group hours and Dorset Mind also have resources available to you guys.
Other Prides in the South
Sadly many prides in the towns and cities surrounding Dorset have had to cancel this year’s events. Brighton and Hove have cancelled their 30th annual pride event ahead of the Coronavirus outbreak. It was due to take place on the 1st & 2nd August 2020 but a date has been made in next year’s calendar for the 7th & 8th August 2021. You can read their full statement here.
Unfortunately, Brighton and Hove Trans Pride has also been cancelled this year, it was due to be held on 20th July.
Currently Southampton pride is still going ahead on the 29th August but Southampton people’s pride has been postponed until further notice.
London Pride has sadly announced it will be postponing the events due to happen on the 27th June 2020 until further notice, any updates on this event will be found here.
Contact Information
It is crucial time to look after ourselves and our mental health. If you need support, please check the available helplines, texting services and online support services below!
SYP Helen | 07973 405280
BCP Covid-19 Helpline | Mon-Sun 8-8pm | 0300 123 7052 Childline | 24 hours | 0800 1111 Samaritans | 24 hours | 116 123 MindOUT | Mon-Sat 5:30-7:3pm, Sun 2-4pm Kooth | Mon-Fri 12-10pm, Sat & Sun 6-10pm Shout | 24 hours | Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 LGBT Switchboard | Everyday, 10am-10pm | 0300 330 0630 MindLine Trans+ | Mon & Fri, 8pm-12pm | 0300 330 5468
If you are a youth worker looking for relevant advice, guidance, support and tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can visit this resource that has been created!
- Written by Beth B