Pride Ashford all set for 22 June 24!

The first Pride Ashford is all set and ready for Saturday 22 June. With live music and performance at the bandstand in the town centre from 11am until 3pm and the parade from 3pm to 4pm from the town to Dover Place, where an open air After Party will be held from 4pm to 11pm.

The event will see Ashford awash with colour, unity and togetherness for the event. Behind the scenes, a team of volunteers have been working hard to make an event Ashford can be proud of.

"We started with no budget or a team but we have been fortunate to build both and we are thrilled at the support we have received so far. A dedicated team of volunteers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes" says Sam Griffin, part of the organising team.

"We have been fortunate to obtain significant sponsorship from Tesco, our local McDonalds franchise, IC24, EK30, Brakes, Sideways Media, Valerie's Wine Bar, Stantec and Elwick Place plus numerous other supporters and donations from the local business community. Without this support the event wouldn't be able to run and we are incredible grateful to all for their help" says Cllr Heather Hayward.

Highlighting that the event is so much more than just the day, Sam Griffin adds "The town has been a hive of LGBTQIA+ themed events with creative workshops taking place at the Made In Ashford Craftship, an Art Gallery showcasing local schools Pride themed submissions at The Ashford Cinema, an online grand raffle, monthly Diversify social events at the Coachworks and even our very own Pride Ashford single!!"

The single "Free" has been written, recorded, produced and performed by Ashford based band Whiskey & Wine and is the official single of Pride Ashford 2024. The song is one of inclusivity, love, acceptance and the anthem will be performed live at both elements of the event. 'Free' is available to stream now over at Spotify.

Sam, Heather and their small army of volunteers look forward to welcoming all to their highly anticipated event on Saturday 22nd June.  For more information and what to expect, head over to their website at www.prideashford.com for all the information and follow them on socials @prideashford