Further plans and a schedule of activities and entertainment have been made for the town’s first ‘Stand Proud in Hailsham’ event, which will take place at the White Hart in Horsebridge in support of Pride Month in June.
Project organisers, including some town councillors and The White Hart pub will be hosting a special family-friendly event with festival vibes on Saturday 22nd June from noon to midnight, featuring a variety of live entertainment from music acts including indie pop girl band Supersaurus and soft rock/upbeat blues group Moss, drag act Fonda Cox (kindly sponsored by Stevens & Carter estate agents, magic show by Ian Hannaford and children’s entertainer Awesome Alfie, as well as a Pride-themed bingo, grand raffle draw, information stalls and much more.
The Town Council is supporting the event by part-funding the project. Entry is free and children are invited to attend the event from the start at midday until 7pm.
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.
More details about the event will be announced in the coming weeks as further plans are made, however a provisional itinerary has been confirmed:
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 bhajias and pakoras) and Miky Dough Pizzas (wood fired pizzas to order, vegetarian options available).
“I am delighted to be part of the Stand Proud In Hailsham event this summer,” said event co-organiser and town councillor Mary Laxton. “I’d encourage people from Hailsham and beyond to mark the date in their diary and go along to the Stand Proud in Hailsham event in June to celebrate diversity and stand in solidarity with our LGBT+ community and enjoy the various food, drinks, activities and entertainment available on the day!”
Cllr Laxton added: “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.”
Co-organiser Cllr Colin Mitchell commented: “I’m thrilled to be part of the working group planning the event, celebrating the vibrant diversity of Hailsham and surrounding areas. Pride Month this year will be 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. Although we have a fair way to go in terms of setting up the event, 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