Final preparations are being made for the town’s first ‘Stand Proud in Hailsham’ event, which takes place at the White Hart in Horsebridge this Saturday [22nd June].
Project organisers are hosting an event with festival vibes from noon to midnight on the day, featuring a variety of live entertainment from music acts including indie pop band Supersaurus and soft rock/upbeat blues group Moss, as well performances from drag act Fonda, magician Ian Hannaford and children’s entertainer Awesome Alfie.
There will also be a Pride-themed quiz, bingo and a grand raffle draw, plus children can have their faces painted courtesy of FayzPainting.
The Town Council is supporting the event by part-funding the project. Additional sponsors include Stevens & Carter Estate Agents, Diplocks Cafe and Hailsham Roadways. Thanks also go to raffle prize donors Pass It On (In Your Community) CIC, Co-Op Polegate, The White Hart, Ian Hannaford, Next, Dippy Doodah Cafe, Steph Stephens and Lucy Gunston.
Entry is free and children are invited to attend the event from the start at midday until 7pm. Door supervision is being provided by Marc One Security.
The event is being held to bring the whole community together to celebrate equality, friendship, diversity and inclusivity in Hailsham and, as well as the free entertainment, representatives from various agencies will also be attending, available to speak with and offering information and advice for the Hailsham and surrounding area LGBT+ community, their family, and friends.
There will also be hot food and snacks available, specifically chosen by event organisers to represent local small businesses and with a wide choice of tastes and dietary requirements, all freshly cooked to order. Food trucks will be on site with safe access next to the venue from 12 noon to 6pm (or until sold out) and will include Mother Bumi (vegan/gluten-free bhajis and pakoras) and Let’s Go Greek (traditional and homemade Greek food).
The schedule of entertainment and activities is as follows:
“The Stand Proud in Hailsham event will celebrate diversity and stand in solidarity with our LGBT+ community,” said a Town Council spokesperson. “By hosting events such as this, we are all underlining our commitment to being an inclusive town and we hope to see lots of people joining in with all the fun as we all come together to celebrate Pride and equality.”
“Pride Month this year is a time to celebrate how far we’ve all come whilst acknowledging that there still remains some work in terms of achieving equality and inclusivity in Hailsham.”
“Thank you to Hailsham Town Council for providing funding toward the event and to The White Hart for offering their wonderful premises as the venue. We’re confident that it will be a day full of fun and celebration for all the family to enjoy.”
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk