News / Bristol Pride
Bristol to get its first rainbow crossing
A crossing close to Castle Park will be painted with the rainbow Pride flag to celebrate the return of Bristol Pride.
The festival returns to the city in July, with its annual parade starting close to the crossing on Wine Street where the Pride Progress flag will be painted.
Following in the footsteps of Vancouver, Paris and Sydney, the UK’s first permanent rainbow crossing was unveiled in London in 2019.
is needed now More than ever
More than 500 people have signed a petition to introduce a rainbow crossing in Portishead, but the rainbow crossing on Wine Street will be the first such crossing in Bristol.
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said: “Bristol is a city that prides itself on its inclusivity, so I’m very pleased to announce that we’ve decided to mark the start of Pride month this July with a tribute to the LGBT+ community.”
Rees said that if re-elected as mayor in May he would establish a mayoral equalities report to look into and address LGBTQ+ discrimination in Bristol “to ensure Bristol is a safe space for LGBT+ people”.
The crossing on Wine Street connects Union Street with Castle Park,- photo: Martin Booth
Bristol Pride’s Daryn Carter added: “We are so excited to be getting a rainbow crossing here in Bristol, it’s a great way to showcase the city’s commitment to equality.
“Visibility for the LGBT+ community is still an issue and after a year apart, where some people may have felt isolated and disconnected, this crossing will be a positive, unmissable beacon for Bristol as Pride returns to the city, and will be a visible reminder to celebrate diversity in all its forms.
“Not only will this resonate with the local community, but also send a positive message to visitors as we all keep striving towards creating a better society.”
Main photo: Martin Booth; Photoshop skills: Joanna Booth
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
