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BourneFree - Bournemouth's Pride Festival Dorset's biggest annual LGBT+ event Saturday July 12th 2025 |
Dorset's biggest annual LGBT+ event Bournemouth Pride - BourneFree in 2024 was on Saturday July 6th
Dates 2025:- Friday 11th, Saturday 12th. tbc.
2024:- Friday 5th (Familes / Young people) & Saturday 6th July.
Dorsets biggest Pride Parade, & event
Venue Meyrick Park Bournemouth
Phone 01202 287808
email [email protected]
website https://www.bournefree.co.uk/
X (aka twitter)
A group of us (from Weymouth / Dorchester) go on the train every year, and you are welcomed to join us.
So much fun!
2024 - Dorset Pride weekend – Bournemouth & Sherborne
(posted first on our WGG news page 11/07/2024)
A review of:-
Bournemouth Pride – 6th July. Has the community vibe gone?
Sherborne Pride - 7th July. Thunderstorms and rainbows!
Part one, Bournemouth. Has the community vibe gone?
The 6th & 7th of July was a busy weekend of Prides in Dorset.
The Saturday saw the annual Bournemouth Pride, Dorset’s biggest annual LGBT+ event, BourneFree (BF). Normally a group of a dozen or more of us from Weymouth would go on the train for the day, however only two of our guys ventured out to Bournemouth’s Meyrick Park this year.
The Parade – the longest in Dorset looked fab as always. While in the main area at Meyrick Park the stage buzzed with a variety of artists performing. Catering, commercial and community stalls helped to fill the site along with the usual fun fair.
Whilst not wishing to be overly critical of BourneFree, we are hearing more guys saying is it worth it? It can be an expensive day out (especially for our guys on a low, or no income), with £20 train (Weymouth / Bournemouth), another £20 to get in, and drinks at £5 pint the cost of the day soon mounts up. For some of us older folk, the names of most of the on-stage artists mean nothing or very little, and many say the event has lost its “community vibe” following its move up from the Lower Gardens a few years ago.
On top of this we found the BourneFree website (both on our laptop & phones) lacking updates of posters and site maps for the day. We only got to see them as the BourneFree stall was next to ours at Poole Pride a few months earlier, and a kind BF trustee emailed us copies.
We were hoping to promote our Weymouth Gay Group like last year with our leaflets, beer mats (at the bar) and an on-screen group “advert”. However, we were told this was not possible this year, littering being suggested, and the fee for the on-screen advert was way beyond our zero resources (Having been free of charge the year before)!
For the future, we would love to have our WGG info stall at BF. We may well look into Public Liability insurance for our group, which has been one of several hurdles holding us back from this.
Below - two screen shots (center and right) taken 11/07/2024 from BourneFree website showing "coming soon" for both posters and site map! Both of which did not appear! it would be good if BF could look into this and respond to us - please!
(posted first on our WGG news page 11/07/2024)
A review of:-
Bournemouth Pride – 6th July. Has the community vibe gone?
Sherborne Pride - 7th July. Thunderstorms and rainbows!
Part one, Bournemouth. Has the community vibe gone?
The 6th & 7th of July was a busy weekend of Prides in Dorset.
The Saturday saw the annual Bournemouth Pride, Dorset’s biggest annual LGBT+ event, BourneFree (BF). Normally a group of a dozen or more of us from Weymouth would go on the train for the day, however only two of our guys ventured out to Bournemouth’s Meyrick Park this year.
The Parade – the longest in Dorset looked fab as always. While in the main area at Meyrick Park the stage buzzed with a variety of artists performing. Catering, commercial and community stalls helped to fill the site along with the usual fun fair.
Whilst not wishing to be overly critical of BourneFree, we are hearing more guys saying is it worth it? It can be an expensive day out (especially for our guys on a low, or no income), with £20 train (Weymouth / Bournemouth), another £20 to get in, and drinks at £5 pint the cost of the day soon mounts up. For some of us older folk, the names of most of the on-stage artists mean nothing or very little, and many say the event has lost its “community vibe” following its move up from the Lower Gardens a few years ago.
On top of this we found the BourneFree website (both on our laptop & phones) lacking updates of posters and site maps for the day. We only got to see them as the BourneFree stall was next to ours at Poole Pride a few months earlier, and a kind BF trustee emailed us copies.
We were hoping to promote our Weymouth Gay Group like last year with our leaflets, beer mats (at the bar) and an on-screen group “advert”. However, we were told this was not possible this year, littering being suggested, and the fee for the on-screen advert was way beyond our zero resources (Having been free of charge the year before)!
For the future, we would love to have our WGG info stall at BF. We may well look into Public Liability insurance for our group, which has been one of several hurdles holding us back from this.
Below - two screen shots (center and right) taken 11/07/2024 from BourneFree website showing "coming soon" for both posters and site map! Both of which did not appear! it would be good if BF could look into this and respond to us - please!
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Dorset Pride weekend – Bournemouth & Sherborne
Part two Sherborne (posted first on our WGG news page 11/07/2024)
Sherborne Pride - 7th July. Thunderstorms and rainbows!
You can read part two - Sherborne Pride on our Sherborne Pride page here: -
https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html
Part two Sherborne (posted first on our WGG news page 11/07/2024)
Sherborne Pride - 7th July. Thunderstorms and rainbows!
You can read part two - Sherborne Pride on our Sherborne Pride page here: -
https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html
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Bournemouth Pride 2024 - reports and photos (posted here 06/07/2024)
The first photos from this year's biggest Dorset LGBT+ event - Bournefree - have arrived! Photo on right shows our Jonai and his husband Brian from Dorchester. They attend our group when they can. (thanks to Jonai for photo) Jonai originally from Brazil, knows how to party! We nickname him Rio's one man walking carnival! We will publish links to more photos and reports of the day here on our Bournemouth Pride over the coming days. Bournemouth Echo was quick to publish 75 photos of the parade, with some really good comments from those taking part. You can see them here:- https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24435211.bourne-free-parades-bournemouth-sea-colour/ Gay Bournemouth have 85 photos here:- https://www.gaybournemouth.net/item/277-85-photos-from-the-bourne-free-pride-parade-2024 |
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Dorset Mind had this briliant bench at Pride!
On X (aka twitter) they said:- Dorset Mind @DorsetMind We're celebrating 2 #Prides this weekend, in Bournemouth & Sherborne. At @BourneFreePride, we're inviting you to sit on our NEW 'Buddy Bench,' an inclusive space for people to talk & not feel alone! Created & sponsored by @CastlepointShop Dorset Mind run two mental health support groups for LGBT+ people in Dorset info:- https://dorsetmind.uk/what-we-offer/adult-services/adult-groups/mind-out-lgbtq/ |
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Every year we hear of guys who say they wanted to go but missed it. So, SAVE the DATE for 2024 NOW! JULY 6th. Meyrick Park Bournemouth. You can see loads of pics from previous years, and read about the day below.
Bournemouth Echo (05/07/2024) -
Bourne Free Pride Festival 2024: All you need to know
See https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24430543.bourne-free-pride-festival-2024-need-know/
Click on photos below to enlarge
Bournemouth Echo (05/07/2024) -
Bourne Free Pride Festival 2024: All you need to know
See https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24430543.bourne-free-pride-festival-2024-need-know/
Click on photos below to enlarge
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More Bournemouth Pride 2024 info here soon! |
Ledendary Children/Sleeping Dragon at BourneFree 2024
Rob Falconer writres:-
First to see the Tall Houses music promo for The Face, title theme from Legendary Children, the Pride 50 movie Legendary Children [All of Them Queer] will be the crowd live at the South West's Bourne Free Pride on Saturday Jul 6th...
Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/BSZUDvvjh8A
The music video features spectacular footage from LGBT+ Prides in London, Manchester and Spain's big Winter Pride, along with legendary faces from Pride's 50-year history then and now: The Right may be on the rise. But who you gonna call when the going gets tough? Pride is alive and kicking.
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A note about Pride events in Dorset. (posted here 26/07/2023)
** Dorset enjoyed a record number of Pride events during 2023 - SIX in total! **
As well as the annual very well established Bournemouth Pride ........
Their were THREE Pub Prides in Dorset during 2023. In Weymouth, Dorchester & Swanage. See our Dorset Pub Pride page here :- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html
TWO Youth Prides:- The return of Dorset Youth Pride at Shire Hall Dorchester, and the new Chesil Youth Pride which had Weymouth's first Pride Parade along the Esplanade!
See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-youth-pride.html
and - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
Prides from the past: - Both Dorchester Love Parade and Weymouth & Portland Pride (only in 2019) ran in the past.
See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorchester-love-parade.html
and - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/weymouth--portland-pride.html
More info on Dorset Prides - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.htm
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** Dorset enjoyed a record number of Pride events during 2023 - SIX in total! **
As well as the annual very well established Bournemouth Pride ........
Their were THREE Pub Prides in Dorset during 2023. In Weymouth, Dorchester & Swanage. See our Dorset Pub Pride page here :- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html
TWO Youth Prides:- The return of Dorset Youth Pride at Shire Hall Dorchester, and the new Chesil Youth Pride which had Weymouth's first Pride Parade along the Esplanade!
See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-youth-pride.html
and - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
Prides from the past: - Both Dorchester Love Parade and Weymouth & Portland Pride (only in 2019) ran in the past.
See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorchester-love-parade.html
and - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/weymouth--portland-pride.html
More info on Dorset Prides - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.htm
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Bournemouth Pride 2023,
- reports and loads of pics! (copy from our news page posted here 08/07/2023, updated 09/07/2023) Wow! What a Gay Day! Seven of us ventured out by train from Weymouth & Dorchester for Dorset's biggest annual Pride event - BourneFree. The event did not disappoint, although we did have a drop of rain. Every year we hear of guys who say they wanted to go but missed it. So, SAVE the DATE for next year NOW! JULY 6th 2024. A first for this year was our advert (see pic right) on the huge main video screen - oh, and our beer mats went down a treat at the bars! Bournemouth Echo - 89 pics & report - https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/23642693.su-pollard-leads-2023s-bourne-free-pride-parade/ You tube video of parade - https://youtu.be/w53ZvJe0j0g |
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First stop the Bar!
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A bath full of cool Beer!
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A great variety of community and other stalls .....
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Loved seeing our logo on the Big screen!
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Our new Beer Mats went down a treat at the bars and on the tables in the community village
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The new marquee was much welcomed when the rain came! A lack of shelter last year was an issue, so good that organisers provided some, and more seating.
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Bourne Free 2024 - JULY 5th & 6th
Every year we hear of guys who say they wanted to go but missed it. So,SAVE the DATE for 2024 NOW! JULY 6th 2024. |
It was a long, very worth while day out - was nice to have a comfortable ride home!
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Great to see the Pride Train at Bournemouth Station on our way home. Thank you South Western Railway!
Dont forget to join Weymouth Gay Group guys on the train again in 2024! |
Extract from Bournemouth Echo (08/07/2023)
Chris Ashton, chairman of Bourne Free, said: “Bourne Free is Bournemouth’s pride festival, which is a celebration of equality, diversity and inclusion in Dorset. Dorset is quite an inclusive county and we are lucky to live here, however hate crime went up by 33 per cent this year – that's why it is still important to have pride."
Comment from Weymouth Gay Group - We did not see a Dorset Police stand anywhere (or Dorset Police commissioner) like past years. Would have liked to have asked them what they are doing about the rise in LGBT+ Hate crime? - and will they be bringing back LAGLO Officers - like the Met Police will be?
Great that BourneFree had taken onboard some of the comments from last year, easier entry, tables in the community area, and a much welcomed marque for shelter when the rain came! You can see our write up from last year (2022) below.
However, we are still hearing comments from people who enjoyed all the community stalls and entertainment in the Lower Gardens during previous years (which was free) and reached out to the wider community, rather, as some say, how we are now hidden away in a out of the way park. Bournemouth Pride is still an expensive day out from Weymouth for those on a low income. £20 train, £20 entry into Meyrick Park, drinks £5.
Huge thanks to all the BourneFree team and volunteers who helped the day run so well. Plus enormous thanks for the on screen advert and accepting our beer mats at your bars!
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Chris Ashton, chairman of Bourne Free, said: “Bourne Free is Bournemouth’s pride festival, which is a celebration of equality, diversity and inclusion in Dorset. Dorset is quite an inclusive county and we are lucky to live here, however hate crime went up by 33 per cent this year – that's why it is still important to have pride."
Comment from Weymouth Gay Group - We did not see a Dorset Police stand anywhere (or Dorset Police commissioner) like past years. Would have liked to have asked them what they are doing about the rise in LGBT+ Hate crime? - and will they be bringing back LAGLO Officers - like the Met Police will be?
Great that BourneFree had taken onboard some of the comments from last year, easier entry, tables in the community area, and a much welcomed marque for shelter when the rain came! You can see our write up from last year (2022) below.
However, we are still hearing comments from people who enjoyed all the community stalls and entertainment in the Lower Gardens during previous years (which was free) and reached out to the wider community, rather, as some say, how we are now hidden away in a out of the way park. Bournemouth Pride is still an expensive day out from Weymouth for those on a low income. £20 train, £20 entry into Meyrick Park, drinks £5.
Huge thanks to all the BourneFree team and volunteers who helped the day run so well. Plus enormous thanks for the on screen advert and accepting our beer mats at your bars!
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Bournemouth Pride - Bourne Free.
Acts announced & new Parade route (posted here 21/06/2023) |
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Dorset's biggest annual LGBT and longest running Pride event has recently published more info for July 8th. Meyrick Park in Bournemouth is again the venue with East 17 headlining. Wristbands are £20. Dorset has been blessed with a record SIX Pride events this year, if you have missed the rest, don't miss this! Every year a group of us from Weymouth Gay Group enjoy this amazing Pride event, traveling together on the train. You are welcomed to join us! Friday evening is a free family event at Meyrick park. Info on Bournefree website. |
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The Parade accepting vehicles this year starts on the seafront at East Clift though the town and ends at Meyrick Park. It starts at 11am. Last year we watched it pass by at Braidley Road near the entrance to Meyrick Park. This worked well, being a short walk from the railway Station. We were pleasantly surprised at just how many groups and organisations were in it. Well worth watching and cheering on, or even taking part! |
Info & Links:-
For our report on last year's BourneFree - with links to over 250 photos, see below.
Bournefree
website https://www.bournefree.co.uk/
tickets / wrist bands https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bournefree/855709?
twitter https://twitter.com/BourneFreePride (Note - no updates since 2009 !)
Visit Bournemouth
website https://www.visitbournemouth.com/item/962-new-parade-route-for-bourne-free-2023
LGBTQIA+ Bournemouth
website https://www.gaybournemouth.net/
twitter twitter.com/GayBMTH
For our report on last year's BourneFree - with links to over 250 photos, see below.
Bournefree
website https://www.bournefree.co.uk/
tickets / wrist bands https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bournefree/855709?
twitter https://twitter.com/BourneFreePride (Note - no updates since 2009 !)
Visit Bournemouth
website https://www.visitbournemouth.com/item/962-new-parade-route-for-bourne-free-2023
LGBTQIA+ Bournemouth
website https://www.gaybournemouth.net/
twitter twitter.com/GayBMTH
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Bourne Free Pride Festival will be taking place on the 7th & 8th July 2023
NEW website - https://www.bournefree.co.uk/
BourneFree (Bournemouth Pride), is Dorset's biggest annual LGBT event (with a brill new website too! See https://www.bournefree.co.uk/)
Copy from BF website:- "Bourne Free was originally set up in 2004 when a far right organisation was due to come to Bournemouth and preach that homosexuality was wrong. Many prominent figures and active members of the gay communities in the area came together to organise an event in the Lower Gardens to protect the gay communities from the bigots and keep them together for a day of celebration, rather than of hostility."
Bourne Free Pride Festival will be taking place on the 7th & 8th July 2023
NEW website - https://www.bournefree.co.uk/
BourneFree (Bournemouth Pride), is Dorset's biggest annual LGBT event (with a brill new website too! See https://www.bournefree.co.uk/)
Copy from BF website:- "Bourne Free was originally set up in 2004 when a far right organisation was due to come to Bournemouth and preach that homosexuality was wrong. Many prominent figures and active members of the gay communities in the area came together to organise an event in the Lower Gardens to protect the gay communities from the bigots and keep them together for a day of celebration, rather than of hostility."
Bournemouth Pride 2022 - reports & pics (posted here 08/07/2022 updated 11/07/2022)
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Bourne Free 2022
On one of the hottest days of the year, a group of Weymouth Gay Group guys set off by train for the annual Pride event in Bournemouth – Bourne Free. Dorset's biggest LGBT event of the year.
The walking parade much to our delight had many more people in it than we thought it might have. It was HUGE! Notable groups were represented including NHS, Dorset Police & Fire services, Space Youth Project, Dorset Mind, National Trust, and many more. It was all very colourful and the prize, if there was one, should go to Space Youth Project who had a small trolly with a music sound system and encouraged the chanting of “Bourne FREE!”. It was also so nice to see that the Parade was truly inclusive with wheel chair users taking part suitably adorned with rainbow flags.
Meyrick Park hosted the main event with a family themed evening on the Friday. In previous years the venues had been split between the Lower Gardens (free access) and Triangle (ticketed), so it was interesting to see how Bourne Free had evolved.
On one of the hottest days of the year, a group of Weymouth Gay Group guys set off by train for the annual Pride event in Bournemouth – Bourne Free. Dorset's biggest LGBT event of the year.
The walking parade much to our delight had many more people in it than we thought it might have. It was HUGE! Notable groups were represented including NHS, Dorset Police & Fire services, Space Youth Project, Dorset Mind, National Trust, and many more. It was all very colourful and the prize, if there was one, should go to Space Youth Project who had a small trolly with a music sound system and encouraged the chanting of “Bourne FREE!”. It was also so nice to see that the Parade was truly inclusive with wheel chair users taking part suitably adorned with rainbow flags.
Meyrick Park hosted the main event with a family themed evening on the Friday. In previous years the venues had been split between the Lower Gardens (free access) and Triangle (ticketed), so it was interesting to see how Bourne Free had evolved.
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The huge space in the park ensured that some new welcomed features were added, a Community Stage / tent, an Education centre / tent with talks during the day, and a fun fare (Bumper cars with Rainbow flags!). As well as the main stage, bar (£5 cider/beer) the site had various food outlets and a range of commercial and community stalls. Plus, the wellbeing tent with a sexual health zone run by our NHS friends from Over The Rainbow. Having everything together clearly had some advantages.
It takes a huge effort to put on a big Pride event, so it is somewhat unfair to cast major criticisms, but we do have a few suggestions which we hope are helpful for next year (Save the date – Sat 8th July 2023)
Entrance issues. Huge long queue! There was a lot of confusion which might need better sign posting or even two opposite entrances onto the site (advertised well in advance), one for advance wristbands / VIP, and other for pay on the day.
It takes a huge effort to put on a big Pride event, so it is somewhat unfair to cast major criticisms, but we do have a few suggestions which we hope are helpful for next year (Save the date – Sat 8th July 2023)
Entrance issues. Huge long queue! There was a lot of confusion which might need better sign posting or even two opposite entrances onto the site (advertised well in advance), one for advance wristbands / VIP, and other for pay on the day.
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There was very little shade on site, plus at least one of the free water tanks (great idea) ran out. Seating – especially for us slightly older folk would be appreciated (or suggest on website bring a folding chair).
Also, perhaps is it just a sign of getting older, but who were the stage artists / hosts listed? Don’t know any of them, not that that really matters. The younger generation clearly knew and enjoyed them. Cool!
Love the Education Centre / tent. But where was Dorset’s Diversity Mel & Pop’n’Olly? Was hoping to see them there. Spoke to someone at the Education tent – who said they had not heard of them! Whoops! Mel & Pop’n’Olly were at Dorset Youth Pride just a few weeks back with a brilliant display.
Would love to have seen the wellbeing Tent incorporate Dorset’s NHS Mental Health team and our Jonai NHS CMHT with his service user’s art display there. Or in the Education tent? Not sure why NHS CMHT did not have a stall/display?
Bristol Pride (& Trans Pride London) sadly clashed on the same day. Bristol had Peter Tatchell attending & speaking. He is the kind of high-profile LGBT celebrity that many of us would love to welcome to a Pride event in Dorset, and would fill a community/Education venue!
Also, perhaps is it just a sign of getting older, but who were the stage artists / hosts listed? Don’t know any of them, not that that really matters. The younger generation clearly knew and enjoyed them. Cool!
Love the Education Centre / tent. But where was Dorset’s Diversity Mel & Pop’n’Olly? Was hoping to see them there. Spoke to someone at the Education tent – who said they had not heard of them! Whoops! Mel & Pop’n’Olly were at Dorset Youth Pride just a few weeks back with a brilliant display.
Would love to have seen the wellbeing Tent incorporate Dorset’s NHS Mental Health team and our Jonai NHS CMHT with his service user’s art display there. Or in the Education tent? Not sure why NHS CMHT did not have a stall/display?
Bristol Pride (& Trans Pride London) sadly clashed on the same day. Bristol had Peter Tatchell attending & speaking. He is the kind of high-profile LGBT celebrity that many of us would love to welcome to a Pride event in Dorset, and would fill a community/Education venue!
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Another advantage in the past with community LGBT etc stalls in the lower gardens is that our community could reach out, be seen by, and embrace the wider community walking by. One community stall holder this year said it’s like being “shoved into an out of the way park were we are not seen”!
Social media (esp Twitter) in the days before Bourne Free was very poor. Being online is an area that reaches out to many in our community and beyond. We feel this was lacking and needs promoting. Good to have a BF website, a feedback section would be good.
We as Weymouth Gay Group would so love to promote our social pub meet ups at Bourne free. Perhaps walking in parade, or with a stall. However, as we are literally just a group of guys who meet in a pub, we don’t have all the insurance and structure that these events require. Our recent enquiry to BF about this has not yet been answered.
We know Bourne Free tries hard to be inclusive, but several of our Weymouth Gay Group guys said the train fare (£18), plus entrance (£20) to most of what was previously free (lower gardens in past), and drinks meant they could not afford to attend.
Pride means …. different things to people, we enjoy meeting & networking with friends on the many community stalls. Seeing the huge range and ages of people just enjoying and celebrating being who they are at Bourne Free brings tears of happiness to many eyes.
HUGE thanks to all Bourne Free volunteers for making Pride possible.
Join us on the Weymouth Gay Group train next year to Bourne Free ! Sat 8th July 2023!
Social media (esp Twitter) in the days before Bourne Free was very poor. Being online is an area that reaches out to many in our community and beyond. We feel this was lacking and needs promoting. Good to have a BF website, a feedback section would be good.
We as Weymouth Gay Group would so love to promote our social pub meet ups at Bourne free. Perhaps walking in parade, or with a stall. However, as we are literally just a group of guys who meet in a pub, we don’t have all the insurance and structure that these events require. Our recent enquiry to BF about this has not yet been answered.
We know Bourne Free tries hard to be inclusive, but several of our Weymouth Gay Group guys said the train fare (£18), plus entrance (£20) to most of what was previously free (lower gardens in past), and drinks meant they could not afford to attend.
Pride means …. different things to people, we enjoy meeting & networking with friends on the many community stalls. Seeing the huge range and ages of people just enjoying and celebrating being who they are at Bourne Free brings tears of happiness to many eyes.
HUGE thanks to all Bourne Free volunteers for making Pride possible.
Join us on the Weymouth Gay Group train next year to Bourne Free ! Sat 8th July 2023!
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Over 100 photos of the Parade in Bournemouth Echo! See - https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/20268114.pictures-bournemouth-hosts-bourne-free-pride-event/
More photos (150) here :- https://www.gaybournemouth.net/item/252-150-photos-from-bourne-free-2022
You can see a video of the Parade on You Tube here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=14QDvyl918A
Here is a report from The LGBT Network about Pride:- https://lgbtnetwork4change.com/bourne-free-pride-2022-network-congratulations-to-the-bourne-free-team-for-a-fantastic-pride
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More photos (150) here :- https://www.gaybournemouth.net/item/252-150-photos-from-bourne-free-2022
You can see a video of the Parade on You Tube here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=14QDvyl918A
Here is a report from The LGBT Network about Pride:- https://lgbtnetwork4change.com/bourne-free-pride-2022-network-congratulations-to-the-bourne-free-team-for-a-fantastic-pride
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Pride in The Park 2022 Dates
(posted here 17/12/2022, poster on right added 30/06/2022, updated 04/07/2022) On their website bournefree.co.uk/ they say :- "We are finally getting our dream move to Meyrick Park in 2022! The change in location allows us to be more accessible as well as putting on a bigger and better event. There will be more room to add things like ‘educational areas’ and ‘sensory areas’ as well as plenty more. To be able to put on a bigger and more inclusive event is the direction the trustees have been wanting to go in for many years now and by securing Meyrick Park we can finally achieve this and hope you enjoy the new and improved ‘pride in the park". So, make sure you keep your diaries free on July 8th and 9th 2022 and we will see you there! Why not join a group of us from Weymouth Gay Group on the train for the day! Ask at our pub meet ups. or email our group for info. £18 return on train, plus entry to BourneFree £20 (or £17.50 advance online). |
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The Parade
This year it is the other way around! Starting at 11am in the Triangle, (with entertainment in the Triangle from 9-11am) and ending at Meyrick Park, the new main venue.
On their website they say -
Our Parade this year for 2022 will be carrying on the same format as last year, being a walking Parade! This worked so incredibly well as we managed to get so many people taking part with music, bubble machines, flags and so much more. It was a true walking rainbow of Pride.
More info on their website bournefree.co.uk/
Here is a useful guide to the day in The Bournemouth Echo -www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/20260080.bourne-free-2022-guide-bournemouths-pride-event/?ref=rss
This year it is the other way around! Starting at 11am in the Triangle, (with entertainment in the Triangle from 9-11am) and ending at Meyrick Park, the new main venue.
On their website they say -
Our Parade this year for 2022 will be carrying on the same format as last year, being a walking Parade! This worked so incredibly well as we managed to get so many people taking part with music, bubble machines, flags and so much more. It was a true walking rainbow of Pride.
More info on their website bournefree.co.uk/
Here is a useful guide to the day in The Bournemouth Echo -www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/20260080.bourne-free-2022-guide-bournemouths-pride-event/?ref=rss
Below are pics and reports from the last few years - enjoy checking them out!
Bourne Free (Bournemouth) Pride August 2021
(First posted on news page - posted here 21/08/2021) - we will be updating this page as new photos and reports come in. (Updated 22/08/2021)
Dorset's biggest annual Pride event did not fail to attract LGBT people and allies, despite gloomy sky's they brought out the sunshine!
Love our friend Mel's comments (in Bournemouth Echo) - "It is an opportunity for people who may not necessarily know other people like them to meet others. It is a welcoming environment and everyone is really positive."
This years event was dedicated to the NHS and support workers who have done so much to support others during the pandemic.
Links with more reports - and loads of photos here :-
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19529285.bourne-free-pride-parade-bournemouth
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-58283268
Thanks to Jonai (NHS CMHT) for the photos below, he said:- "My Bourne Free Pride outfit was designed by Weymouth and Portland CMHT clients. The three of them deserve all the credits. I was honoured to be their model. I hope this event will boost their confidence and help with their mental wellbeing."
(First posted on news page - posted here 21/08/2021) - we will be updating this page as new photos and reports come in. (Updated 22/08/2021)
Dorset's biggest annual Pride event did not fail to attract LGBT people and allies, despite gloomy sky's they brought out the sunshine!
Love our friend Mel's comments (in Bournemouth Echo) - "It is an opportunity for people who may not necessarily know other people like them to meet others. It is a welcoming environment and everyone is really positive."
This years event was dedicated to the NHS and support workers who have done so much to support others during the pandemic.
Links with more reports - and loads of photos here :-
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19529285.bourne-free-pride-parade-bournemouth
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-58283268
Thanks to Jonai (NHS CMHT) for the photos below, he said:- "My Bourne Free Pride outfit was designed by Weymouth and Portland CMHT clients. The three of them deserve all the credits. I was honoured to be their model. I hope this event will boost their confidence and help with their mental wellbeing."
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Bourne Free Pride Festival bournefree.co.uk/
Bournefree - Bournemouth's annual Pride are getting ready for their August Pride with a new website coming soon.
The dates of this year's Bourne Free Pride Festival have been moved to the third week of August and will take place in The Triangle. Please note that tickets will be required for entry on Friday evening and Saturday in order to manage capacity.
Pride Free Family Fun Night
Friday, 20th August 2021
5 pm to 9 pm
Friday evening is free but requires a reserved ticket.
(Free event but ticketed to manage capacity)
Ticketed Pride Celebration
Saturday, 21st August 2021
1 pm to 10.30 pm
Saturday entry requires a £14 pre-purchased ticket.
(Over 18's only)
Updates (19/06/2021) :-
On their website they say - "We are now accepting parade applications for Saturday August 21st. The parade will be a walking parade only this year, due to government guidelines. It will start at Meyrick Park at 12 noon and finish in the triangle at around 1pm. For more information or to apply, please email – [email protected]
Stalls -Sadly, this year we won’t be able to facilitate any stalls. This is due to government guidelines and the amount of space available at our smaller than normal event."
Click here to get your tickets for Friday evening and/or Saturday afternoon and evening.
or
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bournefree?fbclid=IwAR2PoXdBif5FWEwY84FulHIDfAO8cizqcC-TudhGaX2FvEV4gdnrU1qZBuw
Remember that tickets are limited in number this year!
The Inclusive Community Church in Bourmemouth will be having their annual Inclusive Community Church Pride Celebration Worship on Sunday, 22nd August 2021.
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Bournefree - Bournemouth's annual Pride are getting ready for their August Pride with a new website coming soon.
The dates of this year's Bourne Free Pride Festival have been moved to the third week of August and will take place in The Triangle. Please note that tickets will be required for entry on Friday evening and Saturday in order to manage capacity.
Pride Free Family Fun Night
Friday, 20th August 2021
5 pm to 9 pm
Friday evening is free but requires a reserved ticket.
(Free event but ticketed to manage capacity)
Ticketed Pride Celebration
Saturday, 21st August 2021
1 pm to 10.30 pm
Saturday entry requires a £14 pre-purchased ticket.
(Over 18's only)
Updates (19/06/2021) :-
On their website they say - "We are now accepting parade applications for Saturday August 21st. The parade will be a walking parade only this year, due to government guidelines. It will start at Meyrick Park at 12 noon and finish in the triangle at around 1pm. For more information or to apply, please email – [email protected]
Stalls -Sadly, this year we won’t be able to facilitate any stalls. This is due to government guidelines and the amount of space available at our smaller than normal event."
Click here to get your tickets for Friday evening and/or Saturday afternoon and evening.
or
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bournefree?fbclid=IwAR2PoXdBif5FWEwY84FulHIDfAO8cizqcC-TudhGaX2FvEV4gdnrU1qZBuw
Remember that tickets are limited in number this year!
The Inclusive Community Church in Bourmemouth will be having their annual Inclusive Community Church Pride Celebration Worship on Sunday, 22nd August 2021.
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Bourne Free 2021 theme
(copy from https://bournefree.co.uk/bourne-free-2021-date-and-theme/ Posted here 20/06/202)
It was with great sadness that we took the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Bourne Free Pride weekend, especially as we had so many exciting things lined up for our new venue at Meyrick Park. We would like to thank the community, our volunteers, partners, sponsors and contractors for the support they gave us.
The last few months have been very strange and on behalf of all the Bourne Free Trustees we would like to send love and thoughts to the families and friends of everyone affected by Covid19, especially those who have lost a loved one due to this horrible virus.
Alongside the heart-breaking stories on the news we have also seen love and kindness, particularly from our emergency services and key worker heroes. They have shown resilience, bravery and kindness whilst supporting everyone in our community in their time of need regardless of nationality, religious beliefs, gender, race or sexuality. From everyone at Bourne Free we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you and well done.
With this in mind we’re proud to announce that the theme for 2021 will be ‘Stronger Together – Celebrating Our Emergency Services & All Key Workers’. Benjamin Horgan, Chair of Bourne Free, said – “All the Bourne Free Trustees have been blown away by the many stories of courage and hope that we’ve seen over the last few months.”
We want our 2021 Bourne Free Weekend to be an opportunity to recognise the people who are making a difference to our community; from NHS workers and carers to bus drivers, supermarket workers, posties and the unpaid volunteers who’ve given their time willingly. Come dressed to impress as your favourite key worker. From scrubs to uniforms, tabards to overalls and everything in-between to celebrate our real life heroes!
“We can’t wait to see everyone at Bourne Free next year and look forward to working with our principal sponsor Ageas Insurance to bring you a weekend that we promise will be worth waiting for.”
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(copy from https://bournefree.co.uk/bourne-free-2021-date-and-theme/ Posted here 20/06/202)
It was with great sadness that we took the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Bourne Free Pride weekend, especially as we had so many exciting things lined up for our new venue at Meyrick Park. We would like to thank the community, our volunteers, partners, sponsors and contractors for the support they gave us.
The last few months have been very strange and on behalf of all the Bourne Free Trustees we would like to send love and thoughts to the families and friends of everyone affected by Covid19, especially those who have lost a loved one due to this horrible virus.
Alongside the heart-breaking stories on the news we have also seen love and kindness, particularly from our emergency services and key worker heroes. They have shown resilience, bravery and kindness whilst supporting everyone in our community in their time of need regardless of nationality, religious beliefs, gender, race or sexuality. From everyone at Bourne Free we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you and well done.
With this in mind we’re proud to announce that the theme for 2021 will be ‘Stronger Together – Celebrating Our Emergency Services & All Key Workers’. Benjamin Horgan, Chair of Bourne Free, said – “All the Bourne Free Trustees have been blown away by the many stories of courage and hope that we’ve seen over the last few months.”
We want our 2021 Bourne Free Weekend to be an opportunity to recognise the people who are making a difference to our community; from NHS workers and carers to bus drivers, supermarket workers, posties and the unpaid volunteers who’ve given their time willingly. Come dressed to impress as your favourite key worker. From scrubs to uniforms, tabards to overalls and everything in-between to celebrate our real life heroes!
“We can’t wait to see everyone at Bourne Free next year and look forward to working with our principal sponsor Ageas Insurance to bring you a weekend that we promise will be worth waiting for.”
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Bourne Free off for 2020 (posted here 20/03/2020)
Bournemouth's Pride festival - BourneFree will NOT take place this year.
Organisers said on there website:-
"In response to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Bourne Free trustees are sad to announce the cancellation of “Bourne Free Pride Weekend 2020”, this includes all events planned for July 3rd – 5th.
We know this will come as a huge disappointment to all involved and clearly not the action we had hoped to take. Bourne Free takes the health and safety of our guests, volunteers and community very seriously and this is at the forefront of our decision."
You can read their full statement here - bournefree.co.uk/
Bournemouth Daily Echo ran this story -
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18321717.coronavirus-bourne-free-pride-festival-called-off/
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Bournemouth's Pride festival - BourneFree will NOT take place this year.
Organisers said on there website:-
"In response to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Bourne Free trustees are sad to announce the cancellation of “Bourne Free Pride Weekend 2020”, this includes all events planned for July 3rd – 5th.
We know this will come as a huge disappointment to all involved and clearly not the action we had hoped to take. Bourne Free takes the health and safety of our guests, volunteers and community very seriously and this is at the forefront of our decision."
You can read their full statement here - bournefree.co.uk/
Bournemouth Daily Echo ran this story -
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18321717.coronavirus-bourne-free-pride-festival-called-off/
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BourneFree 2020 dates announced. (posted here 02/12/2019)
Dorset's biggest Pride event, BourneFree has today 2nd December announced it's 2020 July dates.
The Bournemouth event will take place over the 3rd & 4th of July (Friday/Saturday). The theme this year is "Schools Out". They said in a twitter post - "We are paying tribute to a landmark regulation for teaching relationships and sex education that comes into force in 2020"
Bournemouth Pride - new venue (posted here 31/01/2020)
BourneFree, Bournemouth's annual Pride festival have recently announced on twitter a new venue for 2020.
" Bourne Free @bournefreeuk This year's #BourneFreePride will be at Meyrick Park which means Pride 2020 is going to be bigger and better than ever, with plenty of performances and activities to enjoy. Can't wait to see you all there."
You can see a short video about Bournemouth Pride here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h3lYnH8vyY&feature=youtu.be
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Dorset's biggest Pride event, BourneFree has today 2nd December announced it's 2020 July dates.
The Bournemouth event will take place over the 3rd & 4th of July (Friday/Saturday). The theme this year is "Schools Out". They said in a twitter post - "We are paying tribute to a landmark regulation for teaching relationships and sex education that comes into force in 2020"
Bournemouth Pride - new venue (posted here 31/01/2020)
BourneFree, Bournemouth's annual Pride festival have recently announced on twitter a new venue for 2020.
" Bourne Free @bournefreeuk This year's #BourneFreePride will be at Meyrick Park which means Pride 2020 is going to be bigger and better than ever, with plenty of performances and activities to enjoy. Can't wait to see you all there."
You can see a short video about Bournemouth Pride here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h3lYnH8vyY&feature=youtu.be
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A quick report and pics from Bournefree - Bournemouth Pride 2019
(posted here 13/07/2019 updated 14/07/2019)
For many years a number of Weymouth Gay Group guys and friends take the train trip to Bournemouth to enjoy this great gay day out! It's Dorset's biggest LGBT event of the year.
We had a really FAB time at this annual Pride event in Bournemouth. Always great to meet so many LGBT friends and allies.
(posted here 13/07/2019 updated 14/07/2019)
For many years a number of Weymouth Gay Group guys and friends take the train trip to Bournemouth to enjoy this great gay day out! It's Dorset's biggest LGBT event of the year.
We had a really FAB time at this annual Pride event in Bournemouth. Always great to meet so many LGBT friends and allies.
Brill to see Space Youth Project LGBT+ flags flying high!
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Now in it's 15th year, BourneFree gets bigger every year!
The Parade through the town was longer, and many more community stalls were in the lower gardens, which attracted what looked like a record crowd in the sunshine. The party took place in The Triangle with a sexual health pop up clinic too! Bourne Free was established in 2004 to defend and promote the local LGBTQ+ community in the face of an organised homophobic protest planned for Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens. We would like to thank the many volunteers who helped to make this Pride another super and safe event for all to attend. You can see some of our Weymouth Gay Group photos below.in a slide show. Check out Gay Bournemouth site for more photos of the day here - .https://www.gaybournemouth.net/item/207-bourne-free-2019-gardens-40-photoshttps: |
.... and ... from Bournemouth Daily Echo (14/07/2019) - "HUNDREDS bounced through the streets of Bournemouth for the Bourne Free Pride Festival parade and even more spectators watched on from packed town centre pavements with smiles on their faces. The annual Pride procession took place yesterday, filling the streets with a dazzling display of rainbow colours."
Over 100 photos - (and readers comments!)
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/17768932.bourne-free-pride-festival-parade-bournemouth/
We hope to add more info about the day on Pride pages once we have recovered!
Over 100 photos - (and readers comments!)
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/17768932.bourne-free-pride-festival-parade-bournemouth/
We hope to add more info about the day on Pride pages once we have recovered!
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More info about this years BourneFree (2019) check out - https://bournefree.co.uk/
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The pics, news & reviews below are from 2018, 2017 and 2016.
2018 Bournemouth Pride Bournefree Friday 13th - Sunday 15th July.
Parade though Bournemouth and party in Triangle is on Saturday 14th July.
A group of us go on train (prob 09.20am -ask at our pub meet ups or email us well in advance) from Weymouth for the day. Join us!
More info about this brilliant local pride event on poster below ... and at - https://bournefree.co.uk/
https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on/bourne-free-bournemouths-pride-festival-p2253263
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The pics, news & reviews below are from 2018, 2017 and 2016.
2018 Bournemouth Pride Bournefree Friday 13th - Sunday 15th July.
Parade though Bournemouth and party in Triangle is on Saturday 14th July.
A group of us go on train (prob 09.20am -ask at our pub meet ups or email us well in advance) from Weymouth for the day. Join us!
More info about this brilliant local pride event on poster below ... and at - https://bournefree.co.uk/
https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on/bourne-free-bournemouths-pride-festival-p2253263
Would you like to be in the Parade with the NHS? Our Jonai from Dorchester writes...
I would like to invite you and WGG to take part in the parade with Dorset NHS LGBT on 14th July 2018. This will be the first time that NHS is on the parade as one group from Dorset. We welcome all LGBT+ to join us if they wish to. Please email me [email protected]
This year’s theme is Hawaii. We are celebrating Equality & Diversity and the 70th NHS Anniversary. We are meeting on East Cliff about half away between Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Pier at 10:30am. The parade starts at 11am.
Cheers,
Jonai da Silva (Chair NHS LGBT Initiative)
I would like to invite you and WGG to take part in the parade with Dorset NHS LGBT on 14th July 2018. This will be the first time that NHS is on the parade as one group from Dorset. We welcome all LGBT+ to join us if they wish to. Please email me [email protected]
This year’s theme is Hawaii. We are celebrating Equality & Diversity and the 70th NHS Anniversary. We are meeting on East Cliff about half away between Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Pier at 10:30am. The parade starts at 11am.
Cheers,
Jonai da Silva (Chair NHS LGBT Initiative)
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Info about last years event below...
Oh! You missed it? The BEST & BIGGEST annual pride day in Dorset! The main day was Saturday JULY 1st 2017 with parade through Bournemouth, party in The Triangle, and all the brilliant lgbt community stalls in lower gardens.
On twitter check out #BourneFree and #BournemouthPride for loads of photos. On You tube search "BournmouthPride2017" or "BourneFree" for loads of videos of the parade, and the party in Triangle with some brilliant stage acts.
Don't forget we put the date for next years BourneFree on our website as soon as we know it, often over 9 months in advance, so no excuse to miss the fun in 2018! We would like to thank all the volunteer team at BourneFree for putting yet another WAM BAM FAB pride event together for us all to enjoy! You are all super heroes!
We have rushed some pics onto this page, many more in the slide show below. We will get around to editing them and adding captions later. Read Stuarts review of the day below. How many of our guys and friends of our group can you spot?
Oh, and for more great pics check these links-
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15384778.PICTURES__Sea_of_colour_for_Bourne_Free_pride_parade/
http://www.gaybournemouth.net/item/166-66-photos-from-bourne-free-pride-parade-2017?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GayDorsetNews+%28Gay+Bournemouth+%26+Dorset+News%29
Info about last years event below...
Oh! You missed it? The BEST & BIGGEST annual pride day in Dorset! The main day was Saturday JULY 1st 2017 with parade through Bournemouth, party in The Triangle, and all the brilliant lgbt community stalls in lower gardens.
On twitter check out #BourneFree and #BournemouthPride for loads of photos. On You tube search "BournmouthPride2017" or "BourneFree" for loads of videos of the parade, and the party in Triangle with some brilliant stage acts.
Don't forget we put the date for next years BourneFree on our website as soon as we know it, often over 9 months in advance, so no excuse to miss the fun in 2018! We would like to thank all the volunteer team at BourneFree for putting yet another WAM BAM FAB pride event together for us all to enjoy! You are all super heroes!
We have rushed some pics onto this page, many more in the slide show below. We will get around to editing them and adding captions later. Read Stuarts review of the day below. How many of our guys and friends of our group can you spot?
Oh, and for more great pics check these links-
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15384778.PICTURES__Sea_of_colour_for_Bourne_Free_pride_parade/
http://www.gaybournemouth.net/item/166-66-photos-from-bourne-free-pride-parade-2017?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GayDorsetNews+%28Gay+Bournemouth+%26+Dorset+News%29
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Review by Stuart
Dressed for the occasion in my camps garb, a Testival Suit, I set out with a number of Weymouth Gay Group guys on the 09:20 from Weymouth.
For me, Bourne Free gets bigger and better each year. This year was the longest Parade I have known, very impressive and I must say I enjoyed the injection of testosterone once again, provided by the Wyvern Gay Rugby Club - they have a wonderful website, incidentally.
After the parade, the entertainment and stalls were of a decent standard and I enjoyed them. It always surprises me that Stonewall don't come, but I understand from Colin that they may attend next year.
A group of us then went to the Triangle for tea at Flirt, my favourite venue in Bournemouth. From there we were able to hear sufficient of what was going on in the enclosure for which you pay, to decide not to bother.
At about six o'clock, I made my happy way to Bournemouth station for the trip back, and I look forward to next year!
Dressed for the occasion in my camps garb, a Testival Suit, I set out with a number of Weymouth Gay Group guys on the 09:20 from Weymouth.
For me, Bourne Free gets bigger and better each year. This year was the longest Parade I have known, very impressive and I must say I enjoyed the injection of testosterone once again, provided by the Wyvern Gay Rugby Club - they have a wonderful website, incidentally.
After the parade, the entertainment and stalls were of a decent standard and I enjoyed them. It always surprises me that Stonewall don't come, but I understand from Colin that they may attend next year.
A group of us then went to the Triangle for tea at Flirt, my favourite venue in Bournemouth. From there we were able to hear sufficient of what was going on in the enclosure for which you pay, to decide not to bother.
At about six o'clock, I made my happy way to Bournemouth station for the trip back, and I look forward to next year!
From Gay Dorset -
10 Things You Need to Know about Bourne Free
Posted: 27 Jun 2017 02:18 AM PDT
Bourne Free is Bournemouth's LGBT Pride Festival and takes place each year to celebrate diversity in our community. Here are the top ten things you need to know to enjoy this year's fabulous festival. Have you got your own festival tips? Share them below.
1) It's happening this weekend with events on from Friday 30th June to Sunday 2nd July, most are free.
2) The theme this year is Superheroes - so dress up in your best outfits and be part of it.
3) There's a free open air cinema screening of The Incredibles on Friday at 5pm in The Triangle.
4) The pride parade is the most colourful aspect of the weekend and starts at 11am on East Cliff and travels through town to end up at The Triangle. Line the route and grab a rainbow flag to wave.
5) There is a free afternoon of family-friendly entertainment and information stalls in the Lower Gardens from 12.30pm on Saturday.
6) Heather Small from MPeople will be headlining on stage in The Triangle.
7) Other acts lined up include Livin Joy, Phats & Small, Brandon Block and the ever popular Angie Brown.
8) Wristbands are needed to enter The Triangle. The wristband gives you entry into The Triangle Arena with access to the onsite bar and catering facilities, dance and seating area’s next to the main stage and great entertainment. They are £12 each.
9) For £25 you get a VIP wristband. VIP access gives you the best views of the main stage, it’s own bar service, a meet and greet with some of the acts and complimentary fizz or soft drink.
10) On Sunday Kingston Lacy is holding a fringe event with a live Jazz Picnic from 2pm. Come along and enjoy live music, the National Trust property will also be flying the rainbow flag for the very first time.
Bourne Free has grown into one of Bournemouth's top event and there's plenty for all to enjoy. Come along and join in the fun.
Find out moreFull details about Bourne Free at www.bournefree.co.uk #
Come and stayWhy not make it a long weekend, see our selection of gay-friendly accommodation in Bournemouth.
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10 Things You Need to Know about Bourne Free
Posted: 27 Jun 2017 02:18 AM PDT
Bourne Free is Bournemouth's LGBT Pride Festival and takes place each year to celebrate diversity in our community. Here are the top ten things you need to know to enjoy this year's fabulous festival. Have you got your own festival tips? Share them below.
1) It's happening this weekend with events on from Friday 30th June to Sunday 2nd July, most are free.
2) The theme this year is Superheroes - so dress up in your best outfits and be part of it.
3) There's a free open air cinema screening of The Incredibles on Friday at 5pm in The Triangle.
4) The pride parade is the most colourful aspect of the weekend and starts at 11am on East Cliff and travels through town to end up at The Triangle. Line the route and grab a rainbow flag to wave.
5) There is a free afternoon of family-friendly entertainment and information stalls in the Lower Gardens from 12.30pm on Saturday.
6) Heather Small from MPeople will be headlining on stage in The Triangle.
7) Other acts lined up include Livin Joy, Phats & Small, Brandon Block and the ever popular Angie Brown.
8) Wristbands are needed to enter The Triangle. The wristband gives you entry into The Triangle Arena with access to the onsite bar and catering facilities, dance and seating area’s next to the main stage and great entertainment. They are £12 each.
9) For £25 you get a VIP wristband. VIP access gives you the best views of the main stage, it’s own bar service, a meet and greet with some of the acts and complimentary fizz or soft drink.
10) On Sunday Kingston Lacy is holding a fringe event with a live Jazz Picnic from 2pm. Come along and enjoy live music, the National Trust property will also be flying the rainbow flag for the very first time.
Bourne Free has grown into one of Bournemouth's top event and there's plenty for all to enjoy. Come along and join in the fun.
Find out moreFull details about Bourne Free at www.bournefree.co.uk #
Come and stayWhy not make it a long weekend, see our selection of gay-friendly accommodation in Bournemouth.
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From Dorset Echo (29/06/2017)
full story and pics here- http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15379328.The_Incredibles__Heather_Small_and_a_superhero_parade__Get_ready_for_Bourne_Free_festival_/?ref=twt
The Incredibles, Heather Small and a superhero parade: Get ready for Bourne Free festival!
A WEALTH of entertainment has been lined up for the 13th annual Bourne Free festival which starts tomorrow.
The pride event kicks off with a family fun night from 5pm on Friday with a free open air screening of The Incredibles on the big screen at the Triangle.
The three-day festival celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender culture and this year’s theme is superheroes.
During Friday’s film screening there will also be face painting, a bouncy castle and free candy floss and popcorn.
Tribute acts including The Irreplaceable Beyonce Tribute will bring the first evening to a close before two full days of entertainment over the weekend.
The main event, a colourful parade through Bournemouth town centre, will begin at 11am on Saturday.
Dozens of floats will parade from East Overcliff Drive, making their way through the town centre towards the Triangle. And this year participants will be donning capes, masks and superhero costumes.
The parade will be followed by entertainment at the bandstand in the Lower Gardens and at the Triangle.
There is a free afternoon of family-friendly entertainment and information stalls in the Lower Gardens from 12.30pm on Saturday.
Singer Heather Small from M People will be headlining at The Triangle. Other acts lined up include Livin Joy, Phats & Small, Brandon Block and the ever popular Angie Brown.
Wristbands are needed to enter The Triangle and includes access to the onsite bar and catering facilities, dance and seating area’s next to the main stage and great entertainment. Tickets are £12 each.
Thousands of people are expected to join in the fun but there will also be a serious theme to the event.
On Sunday there will be a service, led by the Metropolitan Community Church at the Bourne Free stage in the Triangle, followed by coffee and cake at Flirt.
This year for the first time Kingston Kingston Lacy is holding a fringe event with a live jazz picnic from 2pm. There will be live music and the National Trust property will also be flying the rainbow flag for the very first time.
full story and pics here- http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15379328.The_Incredibles__Heather_Small_and_a_superhero_parade__Get_ready_for_Bourne_Free_festival_/?ref=twt
The Incredibles, Heather Small and a superhero parade: Get ready for Bourne Free festival!
A WEALTH of entertainment has been lined up for the 13th annual Bourne Free festival which starts tomorrow.
The pride event kicks off with a family fun night from 5pm on Friday with a free open air screening of The Incredibles on the big screen at the Triangle.
The three-day festival celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender culture and this year’s theme is superheroes.
During Friday’s film screening there will also be face painting, a bouncy castle and free candy floss and popcorn.
Tribute acts including The Irreplaceable Beyonce Tribute will bring the first evening to a close before two full days of entertainment over the weekend.
The main event, a colourful parade through Bournemouth town centre, will begin at 11am on Saturday.
Dozens of floats will parade from East Overcliff Drive, making their way through the town centre towards the Triangle. And this year participants will be donning capes, masks and superhero costumes.
The parade will be followed by entertainment at the bandstand in the Lower Gardens and at the Triangle.
There is a free afternoon of family-friendly entertainment and information stalls in the Lower Gardens from 12.30pm on Saturday.
Singer Heather Small from M People will be headlining at The Triangle. Other acts lined up include Livin Joy, Phats & Small, Brandon Block and the ever popular Angie Brown.
Wristbands are needed to enter The Triangle and includes access to the onsite bar and catering facilities, dance and seating area’s next to the main stage and great entertainment. Tickets are £12 each.
Thousands of people are expected to join in the fun but there will also be a serious theme to the event.
On Sunday there will be a service, led by the Metropolitan Community Church at the Bourne Free stage in the Triangle, followed by coffee and cake at Flirt.
This year for the first time Kingston Kingston Lacy is holding a fringe event with a live jazz picnic from 2pm. There will be live music and the National Trust property will also be flying the rainbow flag for the very first time.
Oh! did you miss Bournefree 2016? - report below. Thanks to all the Bourne free team who helped made it happen. News report here (see the comments section at the end !) - http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/14607683.PICTURES__Bournemouth_s_gone_rainbow_coloured_for_Pride_/
Bourne Free - Bournemouth Pride 9 July 2016
A report of the day
Weymouth Gay Group guys have enjoyed this annual local event for many years now. It is a high light in our annual gay diary. This years event did not fail to entertain us all, well apart from one younger member who felt a bit uncomfortable at most things “rain - bowed”. However he was happy to hover in the back ground. (No problem - it was his first pride).
Four of us left Weymouth on the train, and we collected two more at Dorchester. Later we met six more of our guys/friends who where there.
The Parade at lunch time though the town is always great, so many people in it and they put a lot of effort in. I think the all male sporty group was enjoyed most by our guys! Always good to see our Gary helping to carry the rainbow flag. Personally one of the things I enjoy most is seeing all the LGBT community stalls in the lower gardens. Such a great time to network, collect updated leaflets and info… and see friends we have not seen for a while. Including:- The Intercom Trust, Dorset Mind (MindOut), Space Youth Project, Lgbt Dorset Equality network, Dorset Health Watch, and more… The Dorset Police car in LGBT colours /Bourne free logo looked great too, while our guys enjoyed the free entertainment from the bandstand. Not as many free -bees this year, and hard to find any rainbow wrist bands. Would be nice to see even more stalls there next year. Major national groups like Stonewall are missing! Why?
Up into the Triangle mid afternoon via Easy Tiger (sex shop) to get some more rainbow pin badges (honestly that’s all!), then into the main event. The Triangle party. This is the part that most guys really should not miss. Stage with a great variety of acts, and music. Bar (drinks £3), and even a pop up sexual health clinic. I went for a little pick while others were getting on down (to the music). Our friends from OTR - Over The Rainbow run the clinic and I am very grateful for all the free condoms and the new flavoured lube to take out to The Philippines and other out reach places like Weymouth. Water Melon tasted good, but I prefer Mango !
We thank all the people who helped to make this annual event such a success again. The only comment we have every year about Bourne Free is how it is a bit disjointed with events in two parts of Bournemouth and not one central location. It means some people miss out on the whole experience, and a part of it that may be helpful for them. Who in the lower gardens had free sexual health /advice/check up? Who in the Triangle knows about/saw all the interesting stalls in the lower gardens? I accept no easy answer to this, however could the Bourne Free website list all the community stalls with contact info?
So what happened to our younger guy who was happy just to be in the back ground? Well he returned home covered in Rainbows! With a little help from a friend or two - and says he will be back next year !
Join us … 1st July 2017. Put it in your gay diary NOW!
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
If you like Dorset LGBT Community events .....
You might like to check out our Dorset LGBT+ community monthly events diary page - often with over 40 Dorset events listed every month for you to enjoy. Over 100 during June & July 2024!
See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
Bourne Free - Bournemouth Pride 9 July 2016
A report of the day
Weymouth Gay Group guys have enjoyed this annual local event for many years now. It is a high light in our annual gay diary. This years event did not fail to entertain us all, well apart from one younger member who felt a bit uncomfortable at most things “rain - bowed”. However he was happy to hover in the back ground. (No problem - it was his first pride).
Four of us left Weymouth on the train, and we collected two more at Dorchester. Later we met six more of our guys/friends who where there.
The Parade at lunch time though the town is always great, so many people in it and they put a lot of effort in. I think the all male sporty group was enjoyed most by our guys! Always good to see our Gary helping to carry the rainbow flag. Personally one of the things I enjoy most is seeing all the LGBT community stalls in the lower gardens. Such a great time to network, collect updated leaflets and info… and see friends we have not seen for a while. Including:- The Intercom Trust, Dorset Mind (MindOut), Space Youth Project, Lgbt Dorset Equality network, Dorset Health Watch, and more… The Dorset Police car in LGBT colours /Bourne free logo looked great too, while our guys enjoyed the free entertainment from the bandstand. Not as many free -bees this year, and hard to find any rainbow wrist bands. Would be nice to see even more stalls there next year. Major national groups like Stonewall are missing! Why?
Up into the Triangle mid afternoon via Easy Tiger (sex shop) to get some more rainbow pin badges (honestly that’s all!), then into the main event. The Triangle party. This is the part that most guys really should not miss. Stage with a great variety of acts, and music. Bar (drinks £3), and even a pop up sexual health clinic. I went for a little pick while others were getting on down (to the music). Our friends from OTR - Over The Rainbow run the clinic and I am very grateful for all the free condoms and the new flavoured lube to take out to The Philippines and other out reach places like Weymouth. Water Melon tasted good, but I prefer Mango !
We thank all the people who helped to make this annual event such a success again. The only comment we have every year about Bourne Free is how it is a bit disjointed with events in two parts of Bournemouth and not one central location. It means some people miss out on the whole experience, and a part of it that may be helpful for them. Who in the lower gardens had free sexual health /advice/check up? Who in the Triangle knows about/saw all the interesting stalls in the lower gardens? I accept no easy answer to this, however could the Bourne Free website list all the community stalls with contact info?
So what happened to our younger guy who was happy just to be in the back ground? Well he returned home covered in Rainbows! With a little help from a friend or two - and says he will be back next year !
Join us … 1st July 2017. Put it in your gay diary NOW!
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
If you like Dorset LGBT Community events .....
You might like to check out our Dorset LGBT+ community monthly events diary page - often with over 40 Dorset events listed every month for you to enjoy. Over 100 during June & July 2024!
See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Please make sure you check out all our other pages, lots of local lgbt events, local lgbt news, helplines and Prides in Dorset info!
This page was last updated 15/08/2024 Weymouth Gay Group 2024
email :- [email protected] X (aka Twitter) https://twitter.com/WeymouthGayGrp and some where on facebook too!
Looking for a helpline or support? Check out our Helplines page we have lots of helpful links, both local and national for you or someone you may know. See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
Please make sure you check out all our other pages, lots of local lgbt events, local lgbt news, helplines and Prides in Dorset info!
This page was last updated 15/08/2024 Weymouth Gay Group 2024
email :- [email protected] X (aka Twitter) https://twitter.com/WeymouthGayGrp and some where on facebook too!
Looking for a helpline or support? Check out our Helplines page we have lots of helpful links, both local and national for you or someone you may know. See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
