Kendal’s first Pride Festival will take place this summer and organisers have billed it as ‘doing pride differently’.

The festival will take over the Cumbrian town from July 21 to23, offering a host of activities for people of all ages.

Organisers believe the event will make the most of the natural environment and give people the chance to celebrate pride in an alternative way.

Jamie Hooper, chair of the organising group, said: “One of the things that’s really special about living here is that we have so many fantastic outdoor spaces on our doorstep and we’re going to take advantage of that.

“Kendal Pride is going to be all about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and getting out into nature and enjoying what this beautiful area has to offer – plus, of course, having a big party too.

“We believe that as well as being something for local people, we’ll also be able to attract visitors too – if you live in Manchester, why not make a weekend of it? I can guarantee you won’t regret it.”

The full programme for the festival is being developed but will include everything from free walks, cycles, climbs and open water swims, and much more besides, as well as free family eco-arts activities provided by arts organisation Ragtag Arts.

Alongside the outdoor activities, there’ll also be films with a LGBTQIA+ outdoor theme on the Friday evening with tickets set to go on sale soon.

Young people will be catered for by the festival too, with Brathay Trust’s LGBTQIA+ youth group being consulted on what kinds of activities they’d like to take part in.

Plus on Saturday evening, there’ll be a ‘Big Pride Party’ at Bowness Brewery’s Venue with Kendal-based drag queen NOVA GINA hosting the event and a line-up of acts still to be announced. 

Nova added: “I’ve lived here for eight years and have attended pride events throughout Cumbria, but now I can finally celebrate pride, acceptance and inclusion where I live and love at Kendal’s very first pride.”

The festival is being organised by a partnership of local organisations including Proud in Kendal, Lakes Queer Adventures, Kendal Mountain Festival, Ragtag Arts, Brathay Trust and Kendal Youth Zone, and will coincide with the Kendal and Cumbria Unity Festival.

Tickets for events at Kendal’s Pride Festival are on sale now and can be purchased HERE.