News release from City of Wolverhampton Council dated Tuesday 14 May 2024
Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills said:
“I’d like to thank everyone who has come on board as sponsors and supporters of Wolverhampton Pride 2024.
“As a council, we want to ensure that Wolverhampton Pride becomes a firm staple in the city's events calendar; that it is representative and reflective of what the LGBT+ community want, and that it’s celebrated and something that our city can truly be proud of.”
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company Group are the sponsors for the Plaza Stage, located in the Plaza Area which boasts a fantastic line up of artists including headliners Denise Van Outen and Duncan James.
Paul Reynolds, Business Development Manager said:
“Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company is immensely proud to participate in this year's Wolverhampton Pride and to demonstrate our support for the LGBTQ+ community as the official drinks supplier. This engagement holds particular significance for us, given our proximity to the event with our Head Office located in Chapel Ash.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion lies at the heart of our business ethos and fostering an inclusive environment that fully embraces individuals from all walks of life is fundamental to our values. Ensuring everyone feels safe and accepted is of utmost importance to us.”
Other local businesses and organisations also form part of the sponsors for this year’s Wolverhampton Pride 2024, each offering their support at different stages for the event.
Wolverhampton Homes, who are responsible for management most of the council homes in the city, will be sponsoring the Plaza Area where the Plaza Main Stage will be along with food, drinks, seating, family area, rides, and entertainment.
Shaun Aldis, Chief Executive at Wolverhampton Homes said:
“Wolverhampton Homes is proud to support Pride for another year. It is an honour to be involved in this wonderful celebration of acceptance, equality, and the work of LGBTQ+ people. Equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We value our colleagues within the LGBTQ+ community and we want everyone to be able to bring their whole selves into everything they do. It is important that we demonstrate our mission of helping people get on in life.”
Wolverhampton’s Business Improvement District are sponsoring the Parade, the iconic march through the city centre, demonstrating commitment to LGBT+ equality which will kickstart Wolverhampton Pride 2024.
Cherry Shine, BID Managing Director said:
“Enjoy Wolverhampton BID is delighted to be Parade Sponsor for Wolverhampton PRIDE this year. It is a fantastic event and a true celebration of our city’s strong and vibrant community. Building on the huge success of last year’s event (despite the rain) we are proud to be supporting the parade through our city centre streets and celebrating our empowered communities.”
The University of Wolverhampton are this year’s Village Stage sponsor, where the LGBT+ community comes alive with the Pride Marketing and Pride House offering free activities and engagement for everyone – this is the free element of this year’s event.
Rachel Adams, Chief People Officer at the University of Wolverhampton, said:
“We are so excited to be one of the key sponsors for this year’s Wolverhampton Pride, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. We are proud to be the University of Opportunity and the diversity of our staff, students and local communities is very important to us.
“Wolverhampton Pride is a celebration of Wolverhampton’s LGBTQIA+ community and is an event that is open for everyone to come together to celebrate, to learn about and to support inclusion within Wolverhampton and we’re hoping that the Afterglow Stage will showcase the passion and energy which is the beating heart of our city.”
LWC and Independent Drinks Wholesaler, proud suppliers to Gorgeous Nightclub and The White Hart' will be sponsor the Village area – a new addition for Wolverhampton Pride 2024 and FREE to all. Located on Victoria Street, it is where you will find the Village Stage and one half of the Pride Village and is also where the Parade will set off from.
LWC said:
“We not only supply but work closely with Gorgeous and The White Hart to support their investment in Wolverhampton’s LGBTQ communities. We wish everyone a wonderful Wolves Pride.”
Gorgeous & The White Hart said:
“We fly the Pride flag every day, 365 days a year. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with our supplier to support the Afterglow part of Wolves Pride 2024. Let's have an amazing day and evening!”
Collins Aerospace will be this year’s wristband sponsors. They added:
“Collins Aerospace are extremely excited to be sponsoring Wolverhampton Pride and to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s event is sure to be bigger and better than ever and is a great opportunity to spread the Pride message. As this year’s wristband sponsors, we hope to show our commitment to the values of equality, inclusion, and diversity and to celebrate with our LGBTQ+ family.”
Bevan Brittan are the Décor sponsor, helping to get the event area looking fun and colourful. They said:
“At Bevan Brittan, what matters to you, matters to us. We are committed to equality and value the diversity that we know enriches our business. Together, we are building our culture of inclusion, increasing understanding, and breaking down barriers to inequality. And this is why we are proud to support Wolverhampton Pride as décor sponsor.”
National Express West Midlands are the Accessibility sponsor for the event. Key measures put in place will be British Sign Language interpreters from the LGBTQIA+ Interpreter and Translation Network for both stages, accessible raised platform with the Pride Plaza, accessible toilets and a Neurodiverse Hub within the Pride Plaza.
Local business and organisations who are supporters of this year’s festival include: Go Old Estates, City Fibre, JJX Logistics, Professional Darts Company, Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club and Victim Support.
Wolverhampton Pride 2024 will feature a wide range of entertainment and activities including headline acts Denise Van Outen and Duncan James. The line up also includes vocal drag sensation Trixie Lee, UK’s first transgender rapper and National Diversity Award winner Nate Ethan, musical theatre star Jaymi Hensley, male vocalist Lee Anthony, Birmingham-based queer company Fatt Projects, Miss Sundi, host of Arena’s Theatre’s How’ve Yow Been Dragged Up along with one of their stars Ellixia Q Valentine, with more acts still to be announced, along with the iconic Pride Parade which will kick off the day’s celebrations.
Tickets for Wolverhampton Pride are £4 for adults, £2 for concessions and free for under 12s with no additional fees. Book your tickets at Wolverhampton Pride.
For more details go to Wolverhampton Pride 2024 or follow @pridewton on Facebook and Instagram.