Bournemouth’s annual Pride festival is back this weekend.
The popular event will see a host of events take place for everyone.
Here's everything you need to know about Bourne Free.
What is it?
Bourne Free was set up in 2004 by prominent figures and members of the LGBTQ+ community after a far right group with anti-gay views protested in Bournemouth town centre.
Since then, it has become an annual event celebrating and promoting equality and the town’s rich diversity.
When and where is Bourne Free?
Bourne Free’s main event is the walking rainbow Parade - complete with flags, music, and bubbles - on Saturday July 9 from 11am.
It will start at The Triangle, Bournemouth’s premier LGBTQ+ destination, through the Lower Gardens, round the Bournemouth Town Hall and then arrives finally to Meyrick Park.
The all-day party continues from midday until 10.30pm at the Pride in the Park festival in Meyrick Park - where it is returning to the site after a 17 year hiatus - with a live entertainment and music lineup.
But Bourne Free properly kicks off on Friday July 8 with a special Family Fun Night at the park.
The Family Fun Night takes place between 5pm and 9pm. The park will play host to a funfair, arts and craft, a sensory area, and main stage entertainment including comedy ventriloquist Max Fulham and CBeebies star Chris Jarvis.
What’s new this year?
This year’s theme is ‘Bourne Free Goes Green’ with a ‘vehicle-free’ parade and festival embracing everything eco-friendly. Participants are invited to dress accordingly.
Do I need to pay?
Both Bourne Free Family Night and the Parade are free to enter, but the ‘Pride in the Park’ festival is a ticketed event.
Adult tickets (18 and over) cost £20 and Young Person tickets (14-17 years) are £5.
Family tickets can be purchased for £45.
Children under 14 go free - but must be accompanied by an adult. However, anyone under the age of 14 is asked to leave by 7pm on the Saturday.
You can buy tickets at http://www.buytickets.at/bournefree
How do I enter the festival?
Wristbands are needed to enter Bourne Free Family Night and ‘Pride in the Park’.
They can be collected at the main entrance of the Meyrick Park on Friday and Saturday - just show your ticket confirmation!
Can we bring our own drinks?
No, but there will be licensed bars at the park selling alcoholic and soft drinks.
Bourne Free has also partnered up with Bournemouth Water this year to provide free water points on site.
Will there be food?
There'll be plenty of stalls selling food and other goods at the park.
Are animals allowed in the park?
No pets are allowed except assistance and support animals.
Is there parking?
There’s no public parking at Meyrick Park and only a limited number of disabled parking spaces.
To find out more about Bourne Free, visit bournefree.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article