News / Bristol Pride
Bristol’s rainbow crossing revamped ahead of Pride 2022
Bristol’s rainbow crossing has been given a new lease of life ahead of the start of this year’s Pride festival.
The crossing is a chance to proudly celebrate the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT+) community by displaying all the colours of the Pride Progress Flag.
Many will have noticed the flag already, situated on Wine Street’s Pelican crossing at the top of Union Street opposite Castle Park.
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The flag was originally painted across the ground in 2020 as a call for equality and to give visibility to the community at a time when the pandemic stopped many events taking place.
But the paint had started to fade, so organisers decided to repaint the flag ahead of this year’s festival with harder wearing paint.
Daryn Carter, MBE and director of Bristol Pride said: “It’s great to have the crossing repainted in time for this year’s festival as a very visible reminder that Bristol welcomes everyone and the city’s commitment to equality and diversity.
“The pandemic robbed us all of the opportunities to come together and socialise and for some in the LGBT+ community that led to increased isolation.
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“The crossing is such a visible showcase for the city and has had such a positive impact since its unveiling last year, helping bring joy and start conversations.”
The Pride Progress Flag, which is also known as the inclusive flag, has additional colours from the six stripe rainbow flag to represent the trans community and people of colour who often face further discrimination.
The costs and work are being covered by contractor Colas Ltd with support from Bristol Pride.
Speaking about the revamp, mayor Marvin Rees said: “We’re delighted that Bristol’s rainbow crossing is being refreshed this week ahead of Bristol Pride starting this weekend, revitalising our tribute to the contribution of our local LGBTQ+ community.
“Fifty years on from UK’s first ever Pride march, Bristol’s looking forward to the first in-person Pride festival since 2019. It’s a brilliant chance to again celebrate diversity and take a positive stand against discrimination.”
Over 50 events are taking place at this year’s festival, with Pride Day taking place on Saturday, July 9 on the Downs.
For all the events and info for this year’s Pride, head to the festival’s website: www.bristolpride.co.uk
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Bristol Pride announces 2022 festival headliner
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