Thursday, November 7, 2024

Organisers excited for the return of Derby Pride Rainbow Walk

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Derby Pride Rainbow Walk

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Scores of people are expected to take part in the Rainbow Walk when it returns to Derby this Sunday (May 28).

The annual event has been organised by Derby Pride as a sponsored walk to raise money for the charity, as well as Derbyshire LGBT+, in addition to curating a sense of togetherness. Last year, there were over 100 people in attendance, a figure organisers are hoping to beat this year. 

Liam Valentine, a long-term worker at the Derbyshire LGBT+, said how important the event and his charity is for the community.

He said: “Derbyshire LGBT+ is Derbyshire’s only LGBT+ support charity and we are celebrating our 40-year anniversary this year. We offer support to all LGBT+ people across the county through advocacy, social support, and one-to-one support and we also offer training and consultancy to organisations wanting to do better for their LGBT+ staff and clients.”

The event will begin at 1pm and start at the Derbyshire LGBT+ centre. The five-mile walk will pass through Markeaton Park and end at the Crown Inn on Curzon Street around 6pm.

The map below highlights the new route for the Rainbow Walk this year, check out the link below the image to view the interactive slideshow.

Screenshot of the first page on the story map detailing the route for the Rainbow Walk 2023.
The StoryMap detailing the route for the Rainbow Walk 2023. Photo: Naya Ashorobi made on StoryMap. See it here: https://uploads.knightlab.com/storymapjs/63b2366f0f7682bb28a2d0515bea66e8/rainbow-walk/index.html

The day is open to all age groups and the traveling route is wheelchair friendly.

As well as gaining funds for the charities, Derby Pride said the day was to also be “a fun afternoon out and a lovely walk”.

Melvin Fearn, who has been working at Derbyshire LGBT+ for 35 years!, enjoying his day out at the Rainbow Walk 2022.
Melvin Fearn smiling during the Rainbow Walk 2022 Photo: Derbyshire LGBT+/Liam Valentine

The event comes in advance of the Derby Pride festival due to take place in September. A time for all allies and members of the LGBT+ community to come together, celebrate, and commemorate how far they have come. 

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