We’ve won the lottery!
“We are over the moon to receive this support from the National Lottery Community Fund, Exeter Pride is back and we’re here to stay! Thank you, thank you, thank you. .”
Exeter Pride, one of the biggest free Pride events in the South West that celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning plus (LGBTQ+) communities, has been awarded a generous grant by The National Lottery Community Fund.
The Trustees who co-ordinate the annual event say that they are excited to announce that they have been awarded a substantial grant, which will help to fund this year’s bumper event on Saturday, May 10 and will enable us to put some money towards future investment in the charity.
The money will be used to help pay towards the larger costs involved such as event insurance, the road closure, security, staging and venue hire. This means that Exeter Pride is able to hold not just one but two outdoor stages in Northernhay Gardens this year and a marketplace with over 60 stall holders. There area also events taking place in Rougemont Gardens, The Phoenix, Exeter Library and the RAMM with a jam packed schedule.
Exeter Pride chair Russell Back said: "This grant will not only support this year’s event but enable Exeter Pride to rebuild its reserves and secure the charity for the future so the legacy of this event can continue for years to come. Our mission to provide representation and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Exeter and surrounding areas wouldn't be possible without the strong support from our donors, sponsors, partners. We simply wouldn’t exist. Funding is key to enabling us to host a Pride to remember, and with this amazing contribution, there will be so much to look forward to this year! Together with generous sponsorship from our partners, we are able to keep all our daytime events, free-of-charge. Look out for some amazing workshops from from woodwork to ropework we’ve tried to bring a wider variety of activities to the event this year. Bring on the 10th May!”
He added: “Our fabulous volunteers are a vital part of helping to make things run smoothly and it would not be possible to stage the events we do without their help. We are also grateful to our hardworking trustees, committee members and sub-committee members who give their blood sweat and tears around their day jobs and everyday lives to serve our community and put on an event we are proud of. We are one very unique family but we are an amazing team. We cant wait to put on Exeter Pride 2025!”
Exeter Pride is looking to be an extra special celebration with this good news. The march through the city will start at 12:00 from The Monkey Suit leading into Northernhay Gardens with entertainment starting from 13:00 in there. Also if you are a dog lover then this is 100% the pride for you with our canine friends being welcomed to join the march and a dog show for them to strut their stuff in Rougemont Gardens too. Countdown to Exeter Pride will be starting soon so keep an eye on our socials and blog for everything at this years event.
Exeter Pride 2025 is looking to include even more noise, more joy, more love and even more people! With over 50 groups already signed up to join in our march it is set to be one to remember. We can’t wait to see you all there. All the love.