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Plan your Bourne Free Big Weekend
The Bourne Free Pride Festival is celebrating its 5th annual festival.
It all starts on Friday 11th July at 7pm with an evening of live jazz in the
Lower Gardens. This is a new event for 2008 and completely free. The
event is open to all and everyone is invited to come along and enjoy
the sounds of cool jazz at the Bandstand.
On
Saturday 12th July things step up a gear with lots going on. At 1pm the
Pride Parade starts its new route for 2008 in Meyrick Park. It
continues through the Triangle and Square, across the flyover at pier
approach and ending on Westover Road. The theme for this years Parade
is "Supporting Our Services", so expect to see lots of Army and Navy
uniforms, sexy doctors and nurses and the occasional fire man!
From
2pm to 5pm on Saturday the trademark Bourne Free show takes place with
a variety of entertainment at the bandstand. The organisers have a
great line up of top acts including pop singers, drag artists and live
musicians. There will also be an extended information stall area in the
gardens.
After the massive success of the
Street Party last year, this years Triangle Street Party is being
extended from 5pm through to 11pm. There will be a larger stage with
entertainment, a massive beer tent, VIP area and a range of market
stalls. Things continue into the early hours with after parties at The
Branksome, Bent and the Xchange.
A
wristband is required for entry to the Street Party and all gay venues
over the Bourne Free weekend. These are available in advance for £5
from the website, www.bournefree.co.uk or on the night for £10.
Things
continue on Sunday 13th with "Pride Worship" at MCC in at 11am. The
Branksome will be holding a Garden Party all afternoon in their newly
refurbished beer garden and the Grand Raffle will be drawn in the
evening at the Xchange (you can buy tickets online or from Clone Zone
and gay venues). And finally, not to be missed is the Circus Closing
Party at the Opera House from 9pm late into the night.
This
years event looks to be the biggest ever and numbers are expected to be
double last years! The weekend is not just for the gay community,
everyone is invited to join in and celebrate diversity and equality in
our town. Be part of the parade (you don't have to dress up, but it's
more fun if you do!), enjoy the free shows on Friday night and Saturday
afternoon and soak up the colourful carnival atmosphere.
Check out Bournemouth gay friendly accommodations here on our Pride Life directory.
