Cultural entertainment company, Baccanalia is working with the students at Bishop Auckland College to produce a vibrant two-day Pride Festival on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June. The festival will take place on the college campus and welcomes the whole town along, promising to be a colourful tapestry celebrating identities and cultures.
Breaking new ground for Bishop Auckland, the Pride Festival transcends mere revelry and will stand as a testament to inclusivity and diversity. The festival will showcase a diverse range of activities with music performances, cabaret, family shows, stalls offering food and crafts as well as talks, workshops, and access to services.
Students will get the opportunity to work in a professional setting alongside some of the most well known Pride and cabaret performers in the country, with the likes of drag queen, Ginger Johnson, the reigning winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and award-winning comedian Stephen Bailey to name just a few.
Founder of Baccanalia, Thomas Wales said: “Our vision for this Pride Festival is to embody ‘Pride in identity’. It’s about bringing together people from all walks of life, irrespective of background or family structure. While Pride shines a light on our LGBT+ friends, it extends that offer beyond, to our shared pride; pride in our working-class identity, civic pride, community pride, local pride and pride in ourselves”.
Every event orchestrated by Baccanalia is deeply rooted in community engagement, forging meaningful cultural bonds within the region. For the Bishop Auckland Pride Festival, college students will be encouraged to participate at every stage. They will have opportunities to gain invaluable hands-on experience with all aspects of event production, including management, logistics and site and set building.
College Principal Shaun Hope said: “Bishop Auckland Pride is an initiative championing inclusivity and diversity, with Bishop Auckland College at its heart. Students will lead the way, gaining invaluable skills while fostering a town-wide spirit of acceptance and cohesion. Pride is not just a festival but a catalyst for economic stimulation and enduring community growth, marking Bishop Auckland as a beacon of progress and inclusivity”.
While some of the events and activities are free (with a ticket), wristbands are required to access the main stage. All tickets can be booked at baccanalia.co.uk.
Baccanalia extend thanks to Bishop Auckland Town Council and the County Durham Community Foundation for supporting Pride – Bishop Auckland through the Community Grants Funding Programme. Their contribution enables the company to continue their impactful work for the benefit of the town, contributing to regeneration, local economy, and community bonds.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
