Doncaster Pride is a Gay Pride event held annually in Doncaster, England, usually in August. It is South Yorkshire's biggest Gay Pride event, and It was first held in 2007.[1] Currently the audience figures for the day's event is close to 20,000.[citation needed] The Patron of Doncaster Pride is Sheridan Smith.[2]

Doncaster Pride has been held at the Keepmoat Stadium, the racecourse, and is currently held at Doncaster's Sir Nigel Gresley Square.[3][4] The event is funded by local businesses, award foundations, various charitable organizations and donations from the public. The event includes a variety of activities for all ages, two stages and a float parade through the town.

History

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The first event was put together in just 3 months in 2007 and attracted more than 1,000 people on a budget of £15,000 (equivalent to £26,000 in 2023).[5][6] The following year drew a crowd of up to 8,000 people.[7]

Doncaster Pride 2018 saw over 3,000 people in the Parade through the town, and there were 8 free hours of entertainment on two stages.[8]

The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event returned in person in 2022, with Stephanie Hirst headlining it.[9] 2022 also saw the event expand accessibility, hiring sign language interpreters, creation of quiet spaces, and expansion of facilities for disabled attendees.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Friday briefing: Inside the making of Britain's lesser-known Pride celebrations". The Guardian. 1 July 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  2. ^ "National TV star announced as patron of Doncaster Pride – and she could attend this year's event". Doncaster Free Press. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Doncaster Gay Pride moves to city stadium for safety". BBC News. 20 August 2011. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Doncaster Pride link up with NUM". ITV News. 22 August 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Rainbows beam on record crowds at Doncaster Pride". The Sheffield Star. 5 August 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  6. ^ Slack, Martin (18 May 2010). "Lottery grant for gay pride festival". The Yorkshire Post. p. 8. ISSN 0963-1496.
  7. ^ "Mayor vows to cut Gay Pride funds". BBC News. 6 June 2009. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  8. ^ "Doncaster Pride AGM 2018 » Doncaster Pride". www.doncasterpride.co.uk. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  9. ^ Burke, Darren (5 August 2022). "Doncaster Pride: Thousands expected as LGBTQ+ spectacular back after Covid break". Doncaster Free Press. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
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