Countdown is on for Victoria Pride Festival and parade

It’s time to seize your rainbow flag, Victoria!

As we step into June, summer season is on the horizon and Pride Month is formally underway, which suggests the countdown is on to native Pride celebrations.

Often thought to be the capital area’s most exuberant occasion, the Victoria Pride Festival and parade return in particular person later this month.

It follows two years of digital occasions because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with organizers desperate to carry celebrations again to their normal type.

“I’m excited to collaborate with each an invigorated board of administrators and our first-ever government director to make sure 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are the main target of our parade and pageant, particularly after two years of dwelling in isolation,” mentioned VPS president Britton Kohn.

The Pride Festival is scheduled for June twenty third to July 2nd, because the Victoria Pride Parade cruises by city on Sunday, June twenty sixth.

“The vibrant march will envelop the downtown Inner Harbour in essentially the most vibrant show of satisfaction on Vancouver Island,” Victoria Pride Society (VPS) informed Victoria Buzz.

This yr, the parade will see a brand new route, taking marchers east over the Johnson Street Bridge and then south onto Wharf Street earlier than turning onto Government, Belleville and Menzies streets.

Throughout the week, different signature events making a comeback embrace Pride Festival within the Park, the Big Gay Dog Walk, and the Memorial Drag Ball Game.

Parade and pageant vendor purposes are nonetheless available online, with candidates present process a brand new vetting course of “to make sure that members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are the main target of satisfaction,” VPS explains.

Pride celebrations in Saanich

Meanwhile, in Saanich, officers have teamed up with VPS, in addition to the refugee help group Inter-cultural Association, to increase celebrations into their district.

On Wednesday morning, Acting Mayor Karen Harper raised the Pride flag at Municipal Hall to proclaim Pride Month in Saanich, saying council and employees stay up for upcoming actions.

The first-ever Saanich Pride within the Park is scheduled for June sixteenth, with music, meals, info shows and different family-friendly actions at Beckwith Park.

“We attempt to eradicate discrimination in all of its varieties, selecting as a substitute to assist create an equitable and inclusive group that addresses discrimination in our numerous house,” added Harper.

Victoria Pride Parade

• When: Sunday, June twenty sixth at 11 a.m.
• Where: Starts on the Johnson Street Bridge
• Join the parade: Apply online

Pride Festival in the Park

• When: Sunday, June twenty sixth – 10 a.m. to eight p.m.
• Where: MacDonald Park; Niagara Street
• Admission: Free

Saanich Pride in the Park

• When: Thursday, June sixteenth – 5 to 9 p.m.
• Where: Beckwith Park; Beckwith Avenue
• Admission: Free