When it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, there are some astonishing facts in terms of timelines. It was as recently as 1988 that Margaret Thatcher’s government introduced Section 28, for example, which banned the idea of homosexuality being ‘promoted’ in school. Same sex couples weren’t granted equal rights of adoption until 2002, whilst Section 28 wasn’t repealed until a year later and gay marriage didn’t become legal until 2004. Even in the modern day, transgender people are made the scapegoat by political parties and vilified by famous authors.
In other words, there remains a strong need to have things such as a Pride parade in numerous different parts of the country, with Surrey being no exception. It has been confirmed that Surrey Pride will be returning to Guildford after the town held the event so successfully last year. That was the fifth time that Surrey as a whole had held a Pride parade and the first time that it had been hosted by Guildford. Now people will once again be turning up to the town in their thousands in order to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
How the 2024 Pride March Went
On the previous four occasions that Surrey had hosted a Pride event, Woking, Godalming, Reigate and Camberley were the locations for it. In the February of 2024 it was confirmed that that year’s Pride would be hosted by Guildford for the first time, aiming to both celebrate ‘diversity and inclusion’ but also looking to ‘showcase all that Guildford has to offer’. With the event generating as much as £350,000 to the towns that host it, there was a hope that Guildford could benefit both financially and materially from being the host town.
In the end, the event ran the risk of being a little bit of a washout. Relentless rain meant that some people might well have stayed away, with those that did turn up having to accept that they were going to be caught in the drizzle. Even so, countless people turned up to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community of Surrey, with many dressing up in spectacular outfits and live music keeping people in the party mood. There was then an event in Stoke Park, which cost people £1 to enter and gave them the chance to enjoy street food and stalls, amongst other things.
The 2025 Pride Parade
In spite of the weather that took the edge of the 2024 Pride event for some people, the general vibe last year was one of fun and inclusion. As a result, it was decided that Guildford would be the host once again for the 2025 iteration of the festival of love. Following the ‘overwhelming support’ shown last year, the idea is go for something of a repeat of what was experienced last time out. Given the fact that this will be the first time that Pride in Surrey will return to a location, the hope is it will be another wonderful occasion.
Saturday September the 6th will see a parade take place through Guildford High Street, heading up towards Stoke Park. In the park itself there will be live music as well as performances, with queer artists and allies from Surrey and beyond looking to entertain the masses. Having witnessed a record number of stalls being put up in 2024, the aim is to have even more at the vibrant marketplace this time around. The marketplace will give people the opportunity to buy food and drink as well as clothes and the chance to learn about LGBTQ+ issues.
A Place Where ‘Everyone Feels Welcome’
It is seen as a badge of honour for Guildford that the town will be hosting Pride for the second year in succession. The Chief Executive of Pride in Surrey, Charlie Watts, said, “Last year the team were overwhelmed by the support shown by our visitors and our partners, which made the day truly special. It’s for that reason that we have decided to return to Guildford this year. The town really embraced us, and we’re incredibly excited to be back. 2025’s event also marks the first time Pride in Surrey will stay in the same town”.
Speaking after the decision to host Pride in Guildford again, Catherine Houston, the Lead Councillor for Commercial Services, said, “I’m delighted that Pride In Surrey would like to return to Guildford this year for their annual event. It was a joy to host the event last year and I’m thrilled that they want to make it two in a row and host their colourful and inclusive celebration in our wonderful Stoke Park again. Pride is a highly anticipated and well-attended event…We want Guildford to be a place where everyone feels welcome, a special place where all people can be themselves”.