Is it too late to go to any of the Pride events in the UK this year

Asks Garylord

A. Not at all, although you have missed a few that have taken place already this year. Those events that you've missed include Birmingham (26-28 May), Dublin (1-30 June), Europride in Vienna (1- 0 June), Pride Scotland (23 June) Leicester (July 21) and London Mardi Gras (30 June). But don't panic, there are still loads of events on around the UK that you can still enjoy.

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Q. Can you give me details on these

A. A full listing of all gay events for 2001, including most international Pride events is available from InterPride online at www.interpride.org. However, for the UK remaining events include the following:

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Belfast Pride,� 28 July�- 4 August 2001

This is the biggest gay event in Northern Ireland and while it is more of a low-key event than those celebrated in London, it is still attended by thousands. It also has workshops, talks and markets. More details are available online at www.welcome.to/belfastpride.

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Bournemouth Pride, 3-5 August 2001

As the only gay event in Dorset, Bournemouth Pride attracts thousands and this year the event is set to outdo previous celebrations. It will take place in Meyrick Park, on Studland Beach and at the Pavilion. Events will include the Pink Ball, Party in the Park, Mr Gay Bournemouth, Eurovision Night, Supermarket Sweep, Bingo, a huge Carnival at the Triangle and a Picnic on the beach. Acts will include Vanilla, Heaven and the Venga Boys. There will also be a celebrity auction for charity, memorabilia from Jack Dee, Terry Wogan and Kylie Minogue has already been donated. More information is available from www.bournemouthpride.com

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Pride Brighton & Hove, 11 August 2001

This year's Pride 2001 will be held in Preston Park following a huge parade through the city (kicking off from Madeira Drive, on the seafront, at 11am). The event will see the return of Jimmy Sommerville to the entertainment circuit with a spectacular Pride show. Other acts will include Horse, Liberty (runners up in TV's Popstars programme), disco diva Hazel Dean, Lonni Gordon, Coco from Fragma, Paleday, Cookie and promises of Big Brother surprises. The theme of this year's event is Myth and Legend and the

official Pride float for the parade will be a loose interpretation of Midsummer Night's Dream. There will also be a women's zone, dance tents, royal enclosure (complete with garden party), a funfair, a huge market, blessings (for those tying the knot) and a special viewing area for disabled visitors. Full details are available from: www.prideinbrightonandhove.com

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Waterford Pride, 17-20 August 2001

This Irish pride celebration will be more highbrow than other events, with a slant on literature and performance art. It will also include a riverboat cruise. Full details are available from: www.geocities.com/waterfordpride

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Manchester Gayfest, 17-27 August (main events on 24-27 August Bank Holiday

Weekend)

Over 400,000 people attended last years event, so expect to experience one of the largest celebrations in Europe if you attend Manchester Pride. More details are available online at www.manchestergayfest.com or by email on

[email protected].

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Cardiff Mardi Gras, 1 September 2001

Set to take place in the grounds of the city's castle, this is set to be one of the grandest Pride events this year. There will be pop acts, a cabaret tent and a huge market at this year's Pride. Full details are available online at: www.cardiffmardigras.co.uk.

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Lancashire Pride 1-30 September 2001

This celebration takes place throughout Lancashire, primarily at Blackpool, Preston and Lancaster. Full details will be available in the local press nearer the time or via the InterPride website: www.interpride.org

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Q. When did Pride start

A. Most historians would trace the beginning of Pride back to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York. The first March for gay rights in London took place two years later in 1971 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, organised by the Gay Liberation Front. Although the public face of Pride is a celebration of gay living it remains political today. All Pride events raise money for gay-related charities and gay rights and most focus of the topic of equality�in healthcare and the legalisation of marriage - for all gay citizens.

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By Karen Anderson