There’s a bundle of exciting upcoming Pride events across the Island in 2024, which include:

‘Try or Buy’- Being held at the Mountbatten Charity Shop in Newport on the 1st March from 17:30-20:30, the clothing sale is aimed at “newly-out” transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who are looking to curate a more gender-affirming wardrobe! 

The event creates a relaxed, safe, and inclusive environment for gender expression and experimentation, welcoming those questioning their gender also, with a special offer of £10 for a filled bag of clothing.

With people on hand to advise visitors about how to dress for their body shape and preferred style, why not check the event out?

This event will be free to attend, with buckets available for welcomed donations to Isle of Wight Pride.

‘Pride Launch Party’- BBC One presenter who hosts his own Daytime show, Dean McCullough, will host the launch party for Pride 2024 on Friday 19th July from 20:30 to Saturday at 1:00 am. This will take place at The Balcony in Ryde, with the supporting act of DJ Omar.

The event is strictly 18+ and costs £18 to attend.

‘Isle of Wight Pride’- The main event! It will be held on Saturday 20th July at the regular location of Ryde’s Harbour Beach from 11:00 to 22:00.

With a pride parade setting off at 11am from Ryde School and concluding at the ‘Pride Community Village’, the event will host a plethora of incredible artists.

Of these include unmissable Pop icon Kimberley Wyatt, member of the Pussycat Dolls, as headliner. She will be supported by the fabulous Drag Queen Ginger Johnson, winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK Season 5! 

Drag Kings are also being represented at this year’s Pride with Don One performing on the Saturday.

DJs, bars, and stalls will keep the event lively throughout the day with free attendance for all and VIP tickets available from Isle of Wight Pride’s website for £20 (+ booking fee).

‘Symphonix Pride’- If you want more Pride after the festivities on Saturday, there’s always Sunday! 

A stunning production by the 30-piece Symphonix Orchestra with a live band and George Michael and Freddie Mercury impersonators: Andrew Bowing and Dave Jerome, will take place from 12:00 to 18:30 at Harbour Beach.

With a support act from Drag Queen Cherry Liquor on the day, tickets are now available to snag from £5 to £20 (+ booking fees) depending on age and VIP status or not. Kids under 7 go free!

 

When asked about the importance of Pride events, such as those above, on the Isle of Wight Sarah, Chair of IW Pride said:

“Isle of Wight Pride was formed on the principles of promoting equality and diversity, the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity and raising awareness of the issues affecting the lives of LGBTQIA+ people. 

“Hearts and minds are changing on the Island for the better, and our events allow people to be their authentic selves in a welcoming and safe space. We still have a way to go; by adding more events throughout the year, such as the football match in June, it creates more opportunities to bring people together.”

So keep an eye out for the IW Pride adding more events throughout the year!