The first event of the newly formed Ilkley Pride & Diversity group will be at the King’s Hall and Winter Garden on Saturday 2 July, thanks to funding from Ilkley Town Council.
The event which be open to youths and adults has also received funding from Ilkley Round Table and will celebrate Diversity, inclusion together with the LGBTQ+ community.
Organisers are calling out for any individuals, organisations and businesses who would like to be involved; Local talent to perform, anything from singers and dancers to poets and comedians; Stall holders; People who can run workshops and volunteers to assist on the day.
Sponsors and advertisers, there are opportunities to show your support, please contact Chair David Shaw.
A giant Pride Flag is being created, which will be on display at the event and it’s hoped will be in the Ilkley Carnival parade on May 2.
The organisers are asking schools and organisations if they would support 'diversity' by getting children to make an individual 'patch', these patches will then be sewn together to make the giant flag. Patches need to be 19cm x 19cm in total. The designs should be no more than 15cm x 15cm (we need a 2cm x 2cm seam allowance). Patches need to be completed by the end of April ideally. Please email ilkleyggt@gmail.com for advice how to take part.
At the event there will be a safe space for youth to chill, chat and listen to music. Ilkley Grammar School who are fully on board and are formalising a wish-list of things that their LGBTQ+ group of over 100 pupils would like to see across Ilkley to empower young people. Ilkley Grammar School will fly Pride flag once completed especially for Pride month in June. Community leader & member links to be involved with their ‘Diversity Days’ in June will take place and to support their LGBT workshops.
Kevin Kehoe, Associate Assistant Headteacher at IGS with a remit of Diversity, Equality and Integration said he is loving what you have planned including the flag: “We are encouraging pupils to have their square or picture on the Flag which will give them a real sense of pride. IGS have worked hard to help eradicate LGBTQ+ bullying within school for years running assemblies, training for staff and have Diversity Day in June during which whole year groups are taken off timetable and take part in workshops that celebrate the diversity of our community and society.
“We have appointed an Ilkley Pride Youth Ambassador for these projects and to link with The Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group.”
David Shaw, IP&D Chair said: “Brook St Deli, Ilkley and Wharfedale Breweries, The Gin Lounge, Emis waffle and milkshake bar plus others have already offered their help.
“We would love to hear from local LGBTQ+ business owners too. Please email ilkley.pride@gmail.com, see our Facebook page @ilkleypride or contact 07740797281.”
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