rally. The busy Pride programme – building on the success of last year’s celebrations – includes the return of the iconic masquerade ball in Chancers nightclub, screenings of queer cinema, performances from leading drag performers in local venues, interactive queer history experiences and more.
It will culminate in a Pride Rally and street party in the town centre on Saturday, August 12. A spokesperson for Dumfries Pride said: “We are delighted to bring Pride back to Dumfries in 2023 following the amazing success of last years’ event and a real emotional show of support from the whole community. “Dumfries feels like an authentic inclusive community, and highlighting this couldn’t be more important in the current climate. “At a time when anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is sadly rising, we appreciate that pride is more important than ever, both for LGBTQ+ people living locally and for inviting our straight allies to celebrate shoulder to shoulder with us. “Our programme this year brings back many of the highlights of last year including drag, queer cinema, heritage events and our masquerade ball.
We are also pleased to announce more of a youth programme this year with Pride Saturday incorporating youth events, a young people’s Pride after party, and chill-out spaces throughout the day.” Dumfries Pride is a volunteer led activist movement comprising local LGBTQ+ people and their allies.