'It's more important now than ever' - Hebburn Pride organisers prepare for weekend celebration
The organisers of Hebburn Pride have said they are looking forward to this weekend’s event despite a recent pushback.
The volunteer team behind Hebburn’s Pride events this weekend have said recent incidents will not ruin scheduled festivities.
On Sunday, June 7 the 4Hebburn team, who volunteer their time to put together the event each year, reported a banner advertising the celebration had been damaged.
They added the team tasked with repairing the banner then had homophobic abuse shouted towards them.
Despite that, the team now have their minds set on putting together the best possible LGBTQ+ event which remains scheduled for Saturday, June 13.
“It’s more important now than ever that people come together and celebrate all our differences” says Wendy Stead, one of the team at 4Hebburn, who organise events across the town throughout the year.
She adds: “Obviously we’ve been a bit wary but it’s normally a really positive day. We’re only a group of local residents and businesspeople who put this event on because we believe in inclusion.
“Everyone should feel welcome in their town.”
The festivities will be the third of their kind in Hebburn and will see celebrations run from 11am until 6pm at Fountain Park on Station Road in the town centre.
Live music, stall traders, bouncy castles and bars will keep crowds entertained throughout the day. One stall will offer cheaper school uniforms to support parents who may need financial support ahead of the new school year in September.
One of the key aspects of the day will include South Tyneside’s second ever Pride march. Following from the borough’s first last year, the route will start over the road from Fountain Park at 12 noon before walking around the town centre and returning to the park.
Following incidents over the previous weekend, organisers have also confirmed a police presence and extra security will be in place.
“It never goes with any issues” adds Wendy. “It’s usually a really positive day. You’ve got children and grannies all dancing.
“Hebburn is a lovely town and for that reason we’re inclusive. It’s about loving who you love.
“It’s about pride in your town. Pride means so many things to so many different people.”