Posted on 31 Jan 2018

Organisers of Birmingham Pride have announced ‘Be You’ as its theme for this year’s festival.

In the current climate, minority groups and communities are working hard against attempts to be marginalised by the mainstream. Across the wider world, people of all colours, gender, sexual identities and sexuality are 'finding their voice' and speaking out against the turning back of pro-LGBT legislation. 

This year’s festival will be a celebration of the right to be who you are, to feel comfortable to express it, and celebrate individuality with Birmingham Pride using its historic 21st anniversary as a platform to celebrate, educate, inspire and raise funds.

Commenting on the announcement, Lawrence Barton, Festival Director, said: “This year’s 'Be You' theme is significant in its timing and is an unashamed celebration of people’s uniqueness, and their right to be who they are without fear of prejudice or hate - regardless of their gender, sexuality, colour, religion or sexual identity"

“As always, we've got a lot planned for Birmingham Pride 2018, as we watch the festival evolve and grow, making it bigger and better than in previous years, particularly as we celebrate our 21st anniversary in the city. The festival will look to encourage, celebrate, and, most of all, raise lots of money for local LGBT charities and causes.”

Birmingham Pride 2018 takes place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May in the heart of the city's gay village.

Meanwhile, Manchester Airport has pledged to continue its sponsorship of the festival’s Cabaret Marquee for the next three years.