A FEAST of inspirational entertainment is set light up Middlesbrough as a beacon of hope for the future.
The town’s Spectrum Community Pride festival is coming to town on Friday, October 16 and all are welcome.
It’s a chance to celebrate and share in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life in Middlesbrough.
The day gets under way with a warm, welcoming – and free – Bright Breakfast at the new Middlesbrough Community Fire Station in Park Road South from 9.30am to 11am.
A light meal will be followed by an open discussion on LGBT life in the Tees Valley – is it getting better or worse?
Next up is Trans Awareness – A Time To Talk at Middlesbrough Town Hall from 1pm to 2pm. Representatives from Gay Advice Darlington & Durham and Cleveland Trans Association will be on hand to discuss Trans issues in an open and comfortable environment.
It’s a rare opportunity to hear real stories, dispel myths and ask questions and tea and coffee will be provided.
Spaces are limited at the above events, so anyone wishing to attend is asked to email middlesbroughcommunitypride@gmail.com
Hart Gables in Centre North East in Albert Road will host a Crafts & Cake session from 3pm to 5pm. Hart Gables is proud to offer free arts and craft workshops with LGBT themes, offering a safe environment for anyone who wants to join in, meet the team and find out more about what they offer. Tea, coffee and cakes provided.
As darkness falls, Centre Square will be the place to be from 5pm when artist Stuart Langley unveils ‘Over’, his latest multi-coloured light installation capturing the wonder of a rainbow in a modern structural form.
The sculpture realises the iconic multi-coloured arch as an interactive piece of light art which invites the public to explore a bold incarnation of a fleeting natural phenomenon, and an internationally recognised symbol of hope.
The piece was commissioned as a legacy project by Middlesbrough Community Pride with funding Teesside University, Middlesbrough Council and Cleveland Police Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger.
The Spectrum of Pride events concludes with an adult themed Comedy Night, with some of the biggest LGBT Personalities – Held at the Award winning Middlesbrough venue Tiny, 51-53 Albert Road. Entry £2, 18+
Additional events and activities taking place from 5pm as part of the 2015 Discover Middlesbrough Festival including Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark – a celebration of Middlesbrough’s culture, history and heritage through a series of art installations and performances.
Middlesbrough Community Pride Chair and Organiser Matthew Gray said: “Pride was a huge success over the last two years, with great support from the community and fantastic feedback.
“However it’s been a tough year and the committee reluctantly took the decision not to go ahead with it for 2015.
“Nevertheless with the fantastic support of Middlesbrough Council the Spectrum festival will deliver an extremely positive and lasting message that will hopefully inspire the future.
For more information on the Middlesbrough Community Pride Spectrum festival, contact Festivals and Events Officer Phil Douglas on 01642 729085.