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We've just put up lovely signs leading people from the main roads outside Dumfries to the glory that will be Dumfries Pride at Park Farm!

Use this postcode in your tomtom or as your destination post code on AA routefinder:

DG2 7LU

And here's where Park Farm is on multimap:

http://www.multimap.com/s/RMYLLZJI

We want to hear from you!

Please have a look at this link:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?s...

Thanks,

What exactly is Dumfries PRIDE?
Dumfries PRIDE is a fun, family-friendly event, designed to allow all members of our community to come together to celebrate our differences, in an environment of support, acceptance and mutual respect.

Where, when and how much?
The event is taking place on Saturday 16th August 2008, from 12 – 4pm, at Park Farm in Dumfries, and it’s FREE, FREE, FREE!

Where did the idea of PRIDE festivals originally come from?
Traditionally, PRIDE refers to a worldwide movement which asserts that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people should be able to be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity, and should enjoy equal rights and benefits.

Why is PRIDE still needed today?
There are still a lot of LGBT people living within Dumfries and Galloway, too scared to ‘come out’ and be themselves for fear of a negative reaction from family, friends and neighbours. Unfortunately, these fears can be well-founded; however PRIDE will give us the chance to show both the presence and support that LGBT people have in our Region.

But I’m not L, G, B or T. Can I still come to PRIDE?
Absolutely!! We can ALL celebrate the fact that the people of Dumfries and Galloway respect each other, value difference, and want to live in a more accepting society where people can truly be themselves.

Who’s organising it?
Staff and volunteers from the Dumfries LGBT Centre and LGBT Youth Scotland have been very busy organising the day, with help from local DJs, acts, organisations and businesses, as well as those who just fancy lending a hand.

So what’s actually happening on the day?
Tons of stuff!! We have an action packed programme, ranging from big-named acts on the main stage, including Michelle McManus (Pop Idol Winner), Rozalla, Nicky Spence, Lorna Brooks and Carolyn Scott; as well as a Madonna themed dance tent ‘The Candy Shop’; beer tent; stalls; youth space; petting zoo; cheer leaders; trash drummers and much more!

What about when the festival is over?
In the evening from 8pm, we will be running our fabulous PRIDE Prom at Dumfries’ flagship DG1 Leisure Complex. We are also currently negotiating with a range of local businesses to run some ‘post PRIDE’ hospitality so you can grab something to eat or drink, continue socialising and prepare yourselves for the revelry ahead! If you want a quieter space, the LGBT Centre in Brewery Street will be open from 4 – 6pm where staff will be there to make you a cuppa and have a chat.

I’m concerned about safety. Have you thought about this?
The wellbeing of PRIDE participants is of the utmost concern to all of us so we have put some key measures in place to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves safely. There will be:
• trained security staff on site at all times, as well as a police presence from Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary to ensure community safety on the day
• members of St Andrew’s Ambulance and other first aid trained volunteers, to deal with any accidents
• volunteer stewards (in red T-shirts) who will be able to answer any questions or concerns you have on the day, and direct you to help
• senior members of LGBT Youth Scotland staff who will be ensuring the overall smooth running of the event
• a separate, fenced off space for the beer tent, well away from our children and young people’s activities, which will be staffed by trained youth workers

Is Dumfries ready for a PRIDE?
You tell us? Are you ready to say no to bullying, no to prejudice and no to discrimination? If the answer is yes, then you are ready for PRIDE and we want you to stand up and join us at this momentous event.
Yes, it is a celebration and it will feel like a party, but in coming along to PRIDE, you will actually be standing up for something far more important: the right for all of us, no matter our background, beliefs, age, ability, race, gender or sexual orientation to be able to grow up healt