Organisers at Liverpool Pride are calling out to Liverpool City Region’s business and community organisations to join them on their most ambitious march to date, setting out for Liverpool to be the most visible LGBT city in the UK. Community arts organisation Brouhaha International have also been commissioned via funding received from the Arts Council of England to provide animation at this year’s march, which routes through the city streets on Saturday 30^th July.

Commencing from St George’s Cultural Quarter, the Liverpool Pride March, now in its 7th consecutive year, remains one of the most vibrant and poignant parts of the festival.  This year, carnival experts Brouhaha have been engaged to work with a selection of diverse community groups, running design sessions to support the creation of themed costumes and large structures that embrace this year’s theme ‘Liverpool Icons.’  All participants are encouraged to interpret the theme and animate themselves, which could include famous people, music or even iconic buildings or statues.

The call is now open and they ask all types of businesses, organisations and individuals to get involved and support LGBT, equality and diversity both in the city and in the workplace.  Any individuals or community groups wishing to participate in the March should pre-register at: www.liverpoolpride.co.uk/liverpool-pride-march-registration or companies email Michael Carey at michael.carey@liverpoolpride.co.uk.

The route will be announced soon, although it is confirmed that the march will leave and return from St George’s Quarter, the hosts of this year’s Pride festival.  Muster point activity will also be announced in due course with key speakers and entertainment from the main stage on William Brown Street.  The Muster is an important part of the Pride day, where participants, spectators and organisers all join together to appreciate what Liverpool Pride represents and the importance of continuing this outstanding event each year.

As always, the festival coincides with the anniversary of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer, who tragically lost his life on 2 August 2008. The Liverpool Pride festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and to empower the LGBT communities – Michael’s family lead the march every year.

Michael Carey, from Liverpool Pride Festival, said:

“I encourage all businesses to stand proud and take this opportunity to showcase their corporate social responsibility towards their staff and customers.  And to avoid any misunderstanding, the March is not restricted to LGBT communities but is for anyone that wants to raise awareness and help to make a difference.”

 Joan Burnett, a trustee Of Liverpool Pride added: 

“Every year the people of Liverpool take our theme and run riot with creativity. This year we’ve chosen to focus on Liverpool Icons as our theme and we can’t wait to see what people create. Our March has a serious point to make about inclusivity and equality, but is also about having a great time! So, we’re looking for your icons – fun and fabulous like Cilla, Holly Johnson or April Ashley or beacons of social change like Bessie Braddock or Charles Wootton – make us laugh, make us think but make us proud!”

 Liverpool Pride Festival 2016 offers a week-long programme which culminates with a two-day event on Saturday 30^th and Sunday 31^st July. It takes place in a new, more prominent position in the St George’s Quarter and features the well-established Liverpool Pride March on the Saturday.

 The Brouhaha March animation is the latest addition to the Liverpool Pride Festival 2016. Other new initiatives for 2016 include LOOK’s Liverpool Icons, a photography exhibition in Liverpool ONE; ‘What’s Your Pride Story’ in partnership with Writing On The Wall; ‘Dress With Pride’ to encourage customer facing businesses to dress up during the week of Pride to help raise funds for the Liverpool Pride charity; and ‘Come Out Of The Shadows’, a campaign to see the city’s iconic venues lit in the Pride rainbow colours in a bid to make Liverpool the most visibly LGBT friendly city in the UK, this is supported by the Police Commissioner’s Fund as a Hate Crime initiative.

Liverpool Pride Festival is now a key highlight in the city’s Summer events programme, attracting more than 25,000 people each year to attend, take part and support the annual LGBT festival.

Keep up to date with Liverpool Pride’s new announcements at:

Website www.liverpoolpride.co.uk

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Twitter @LiverpoolPride