Pride turns ‘speedgay’ this year thanks to the Selco Birmingham Brummies Speedway team who are gearing up to take part in the spectacular carnival parade.
The team will join scores of colourful floats and groups setting off from Victoria Square at 12 noon before making their way through the city to the gay village in Birmingham’s vibrant Southside.
Lawrence Barton, Festival director, said: “We’re delighted that Selco Birmingham Brummies are joining the Pride parade. It’s a first for both Pride and the Brummies. It just shows what a broad appeal Pride has in our city now and that it’s crossing over to all areas including sport and music.”
Chris Luty, Selco Birmingham Brummies co-owner, said: “There’s a long history of speedway in the city but we lost a whole generation of fans when the team stopped racing for more than 20 years.
“We are looking to build up a whole new audience and there’s no better place than the Pride weekend which attracts thousands of people, has a great atmosphere and is a superb showcase for the city and the people who live in it.”
As well as the annual parade the two-day event will see The Saturdays headlining the Nightingale main stage on June 2 and BBC Radio 1 Scott Mills, will entertain with his DJ set on Sunday 3 June.
Although the general festival site will still be free to the general public, the Pride Entertainment Zone – which includes The Nightingale Main Stage, The Village Inn Cabaret Marquee, the Chic Dance Arena and the Fox Entertainment Zone – will be ‘by ticket only’ for the first time.
The tickets will also include other benefits, like fast-track entry at the main security entrance to the general festival site in Birmingham’s Gay Village.
Tickets are available from Birmingham gay bars and clubs or online from www.birminghampride.com.