Ramsgate Pride returns for second year with drag pageants and family raves

Young Pride event, Ramsgate Pride returns to Thanet today, Saturday, June 14 for its second run. 

Many of the Sugar Rush crew - who wrapped up Salon du Miel early year - are behind the LGBTQ+ protest, along with community members, community groups and business owners, who put together the grassroots event on a voluntary basis. 

With funds raised going to trans Not a Phase charity, one of the organisers, Heidi Moran, says that there is no one lead on the team, so that “focus is on Pride rather than it turning into an event about one or two people”. 

She adds that the idea behind Ramsgate Pride is to “bring the whole community together” and to “provide safe, inclusive spaces for the whole town”.

Here, Heidi gets Strange Tourist up to speed on Ramsgate Pride version 2.0. 

The first Ramsgate Pride took place last year. How did it go? 

Last year was fantastic. It was put together with no budget in just two weeks by the Sugar Rush Events team. It was amazing to see the whole community come together to support. The march was a highlight. Not only were there a wonderful amount of people taking part and marching for the cause, but so many local shops supported us by decorating, and lots of locals were waving and cheering the march on. 

How does this year differ from last? 

This year, there is an actual Ramsgate Pride volunteer team, and we have many more local businesses onboard. This has allowed us to have different zones and stages for the whole day, providing a family zone, wellness zone, party zone and creative zone. There is something for everybody, to bring together LGBTQ+ and allies to learn, support, be heard and celebrate achievements together.  

What organisations and groups are taking part in the march? 

There are lots of organisations and groups taking part, from local theatre groups, sports teams, other local Prides, local businesses and of course our own local LGBTQ+ community.

Besides the march, what other events will take place on the day?

We will have a community stage with speeches, musicians and drag acts. There is a dog show and fancy dress parade. We have a creative poetry and comedy stage. A theatre stage, drag pageant, market, picnic, family zone with arts and crafts, drag queen storytime and a family rave. 

Plus, in our wellness zone there are various workshops and events to book onto. Throughout the day and evening there will be DJs, tribute acts, music, shows and entertainers at various venues within our party zone. Plus an epic after party happening in our main stage venue.

What is Kent Prides United and how does Ramsgate Pride fit into it? 

Kent Prides United is a group which has been set up for around a year now, with organisers from the Kent Prides in one group. We all support each other, give recommendations and share each other's events. 

We attend as many of each other's events as possible and have even started hosting events together throughout the year. It's a great way to help spread the word about our events to captive audiences around the county. It is a great, supportive group to be part of. 

Does Ramsgate Pride have any other events coming up?

After our own Pride event, you will find us supporting many of the Kent Prides over the summer. We will also host different events and fundraisers throughout the year for our chosen causes.

How can people get involved in Ramsgate Pride?

People can follow us on social media, or sign up to march or come along to line the march route. Other than that we just want you to come along and enjoy the day.

Ramsgate Pride takes place today, Saturday, June 14. The march starts from King George VI park and goes along the seafront towards the community stage at Perico Lounge, where speeches take place. Arrive at 10.30am for 11am start.