Basingstoke will be hosting its first ever Pride event with a range of events lined up by the committee behind the LGBT festival. The Pride245 event is set for 17th September and will focus on inclusion, eduction and celebration, under the initiative of local volunteers. The free event will start with a open mic event from 7pm, at the Central Studio, Queen Mary’s College.
Other events include The Scandalous Life and Fast Times of Lord Byron, Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know, on 20th September (Wednesday). There’s a burlesque and cabaret night on 22nd September (Friday) at the Proteus Creation Space. The committee will be bringing in more events. One more planned is the film Get Real, filmed in the borough. The plan is to have the cast on a question and answer panel after the show, to discuss its importance to the LGBT community.
Co-founder of Pride 245, Councillor Simon Bound, said there is a conscious effort to give a Basingstoke twist to the events. There’s something special about the work of art produced in the town, he added. It will help those who identify as LGBT to feel safe in this town, he remarked. The councillor felt that by getting Get Real shown here, young people will see how influential the town has been and played a pivotal role. For more details about the free event and tickets go to the site- pride245.org.uk.
