Launch event will announce the date of first ever Windsor Pride

Windsor’s first ever Pride parade is gearing up with a launch event next month – featuring a splash of colourful entertainment and a ‘sneak peek’ of the 2025 event.

The wheels are in motion for what is hoped to be one of the biggest LGBTQ+ Pride events in the country, beginning next summer.

This will be Windsor & Eton’s first annual Pride event. Work has been ongoing behind the scenes to bring together companies, RBWM’s town managers, councillors and community figures to organise the free Pride.

Organisation was ‘put on pause’ for a year while the committee works hard to make Windsor feel safe for those wanting to come.

This was following feedback to the Pride committee that some people in Windsor did not feel safe to take part in a Pride event.

Last month, the Safe Space 4 All initiative launched, which seeks to get local businesses to declare that their establishment is a safe space –for LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, all races, nationalities and other groups.

These businesses have signed an ‘anti-discrimination charter’, agreeing not to put up with discrimination of any kind, and that they will ‘take the right steps’ to deal with it.

QR codes posted at these sites direct visitors towards links of help and support.

More than 60 businesses have signed up, all listed on the Windsor & Eton Pride website at windsorpride.co.uk/safe-space-4-all-find-a-safe-space-4-all

Now, Windsor & Eton Pride is looking towards its upcoming launch event at Windsor & Eton Brewery, featuring entertainment for all ages.

Free to attend, it will feature comedian Andrew O’Neill, Reading-based drag artist Grace Anatomy, London’s married drag duo Aidan Orange and Miss Joelle, inspirational speaker Ally Tomlinson, Love2Sing Choir, Wildcat Willie’s Pride Disco and some ‘surprise acts’.

For the young at heart, there will be rainbow face painting and colourful hair braiding available, as well as Pride stickers and temporary tattoos.

The aim is to be inclusive and open to all ages, though those thinking of bringing children should use their personal judgement and be aware there may be some ‘not safe for work’ themes in the entertainment line-up, organisers have said.

September’s launch event will also offer a ‘sneak peek’ of the Pride event ahead – the exact date will be announced for the first time, and some of the key details will be revealed.

Windsor & Eton Pride has secured the Long Walk and will be starting at the Great Park and ending at Alexandra Gardens, walking by the castle.

At the launch event, there will also be a quiz and raffle, while food and drink can be purchased from Windsor & Eton Brewery’s menu and bar.

As the event is a fundraiser, there will be official Windsor & Eton Pride merchandise for sale, such as T-shirts, pint glasses and magnets.

All money raised will go directly towards hosting the Windsor Pride event in 2025.

The launch event will take place on Saturday, September 14, from 2pm to 10pm.

The committee is looking for sponsors for Pride. Those interested can contact info@windsorpride.co.uk