Highland Pride confirm plans for programme of events across June 2024 – but there will be no pride village
Highland Pride have confirmed their plans for 2024 – with the event set to look somewhat different this summer.
A programme of events will take place across the Highlands in June, Pride month, and into July, but there will not be a pride village as in previous years.
Subject to approval, there will still be a parade through Inverness on June 22.
Other than that, it is hoped that a number of smaller events will take place across the region, following on from feedback after 2023's Party In The Park at the Northern Meeting Park.
With that in mind, Highland Pride are asking that any organisation or group, venue owner or performer that would be interested in putting together an event get in touch.
"We know how important representation and visibility of our LGBTQ+ community continues to be in the Highlands," Highland Pride's announcement read.
"As we’re only a small group of volunteers, mostly based in and around Inverness, we are limited in what we can organise.
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"We hope the LGBTQ+ community across the Highlands, and our neighbouring communities, will find the programme more accessible by removing some of the geographical barriers we face."
There have been three Pride events in the Highland capital – starting out as ProudNess in 2018 and 2019 before taking a few years out due to the pandemic, and returning last summer.
On the decision not to put on a pride village with a parade, Highland Pride's website reads: "We are doing things differently for logistical and financial reasons, and because of the unavailability of some venues.
"In addition, some of the feedback we received from Pride 2023 was that we should organise events in Pride Month (June) and hold them in locations other than Inverness. We also want to build on the good work that was done in Inverness and other parts of the Highlands last year to raise awareness of Pride Month.
"Because of the unique situation we find ourselves in this year, we are taking the opportunity do things differently just for 2024.
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"We hope the LGBTQ+ community across the Highlands, and our neighbouring communities, will find the Pride 2024 programme more accessible by removing some of the geographical barriers we face.
"We believe the best venue to hold a post parade party is the Northern Meeting Park. The Northern Meeting Park is undergoing refurbishment in 2024 and is not available to us as an event space. The parade is ending in Falcon Square this year, and we are unable to organise a party in that space.
"Our plans for 2025 will include a parade, pride village and party in Inverness, and a programme of events across the Highlands."
