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Bank Holiday weekend sees Pride celebrations in Herne Bay and Dover

Pride celebrations are set to kick off in Dover and Herne Bay this Bank Holiday weekend.

On Saturday, a parade in Dover will make its way through the heart of the town.

Dover Pride kicks off with a parade on Saturday, August 24. Picture: David Goodson/Dover Pride
Dover Pride kicks off with a parade on Saturday, August 24. Picture: David Goodson/Dover Pride

The event is free although to take part in the march, tickets must be booked online in advance via the Dover Pride website.

After registering online, participants should also check in on the day at the Maison Dieu Gardens off Maison Dieu Road from 9am until 10.30am.

The parade begins at 11am from outside the town hall and will travel through the high street before ending at the Roman Lawn - next to Dover Discovery Centre - at 12pm, in time for an afternoon of music, family activities and a makers’ market which continues until 4pm.

Performers include Miss Di Vour, Gigi Sings, Pixie Polite and many more. Just May is also set to perform at the afterparty.

Those with entry tickets will receive a free priority pass to the Roman Lawn where there will be 10 market stalls, a bubble tea stand, a candy floss stand, as well as other food stalls and a bar.

Hundreds of people attended last year’s Dover Pride. Picture: David Goodson/Dover Pride
Hundreds of people attended last year’s Dover Pride. Picture: David Goodson/Dover Pride
A scene from the 2022 Herne Bay Pride parade
A scene from the 2022 Herne Bay Pride parade

There will also be a chill-out zone gazebo which is a calm sensory space for anyone needing to take a break.

Ear defenders, eye masks, comfortable seating, colouring in, a starlight projector, and stress/stimulation toys will be provided. This is for all ages and is located on the Market Square.

The Pride Cafe at La Salle Verte also has musical and drag performances from 12.30pm until 3.30pm.

After a day of celebration, there will be an afterparty for those aged 18 or more.

Taking place on the main stage in Roman Lawn, this is a paid-for event and costs £5 per person. The party starts at 7pm and runs until 10pm.

But, the day does not stop there. Following the afterparty, The Dizzy Donkey in Biggin Street is hosting ‘Dover Pride, After Dark’. This is another ticketed and 18+ event. Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased on the Dover Pride website.

Miss Di Vour performed at last year’s Dover Pride and will be back this year. Picture: David Goodson/Dover Pride
Miss Di Vour performed at last year’s Dover Pride and will be back this year. Picture: David Goodson/Dover Pride

Meanwhile, in Herne Bay, this year’s Pride celebration kicks off on Sunday with a parade walk and will see the Herne Bay Festival, which started on July 21, come to an end.

After speeches at 10.30am at the Clock Tower, the march begins at 11.30am and will arrive at the pier by midday.

Entry is free but anyone who wishes to take part should register from 9.30am on the day, and online.

After this, there is a day of family-friendly entertainment at the Pier Ceylon pub opposite the beach where there will be music and outdoor stalls until 5pm.

The day will be hosted by The Madame with performers including Jodie Doody as Kylie, Lil Rouge and more to take the stage.

From 6pm, Pier Ceylon will host the official adults-only afterparty. Tickets can be bought online and are £10.

This event runs until 1am and is hosted by Cherry Bomb. Other performers include UK’s Drag Race Pixie Polite, Spirit of Cher, Son of Tutu and more.

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