JK Doran and Lou Langdon, Founders of the Pride movement in Yeovil, meet for the first time. Jk brings his passion, experience and sense of urgency to the table. Lou shows up with their, enthusiasm, can-do attitude and already-established community links. Together, the wheels are set in motion for a new Pride event.
Taking place at Yeovil Library, JK and Lou invite members of the local community to come along and get involved. The turnout is encouraging, and people are excited to bring the idea to life in our town.
A march from Petters Way car park to St John’s Church, with a rolling road closure from High Street to Silver Street – including a fire engine decked out with flags, and rainbow police car. Speeches given at St John’s green. Homophobic incident occurs, with the abuser tackled by police and taken into custody.
Mostly online due to Covid, with people generally not allowed to gather close together or in groups. Some restrictions had been lifted which meant the day’s proceedings could include “Are you Proud” Yeovil Pride Film Screening at Westlands Entertainment Venue. Online events took place at intervals throughout the day, including a panel talk, dog show, and karaoke evening.
The march went from St John’s amd back again, going around a small area of the town. Speeches were made on the green space in front of St John’s church. The Quedam was brightly decorated with some businesses dedicating windows, and the dinosaurs decked out in Pride regalia.
March from St John’s to Addlewell Lane, leading to a community picnic in the park with free fruit available for all. Activities included a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, speeches from the community, and live music. Placard-making included signs in many languages to make different minority groups in town feel more included.
March from Yeo Leisure Complex to Addlewell Lane. The daytime event includeda Picnic in the Park, where free fruit and free cake was available for all. Free period products were also given away, and stalls by other local charities and organisations were present. There was an action station, swishing stall and a collection for the local foodbank. Performances included live music and speeches from the community. The evening event consisted of bingo, a karaoke disco, and the donation of food to the food bank.
A march from St John’s Churchyard to The Gateway attended by our local MP, followed by indoor picnic and activities. Songs from a community choir, raw and heartfelt poetry readings, speeches, acts of activism and a sense of queer joy the rain just couldn’t dampen.Over 200 people took part in Pride this year!