Pride event launches urgent appeal for volunteers

Chippenham Pride needs volunteers to help plan and run the event

The organisers of one of Wiltshire’s biggest Pride events have launched an urgent appeal for more volunteers.

Chippenham Pride is due to take place on 15 June and is expected to attract thousands of people.

The organising team has shrunk from 16 to five people and extra help is needed with fundraising, grants, sponsorship as well as marshalling the festival.

Chippenham Pride founder and co-chair Penny MacDivitt said: “Volunteering is a wonderful way to learn new skills and make new friends, while also supporting a worthy cause which aims to celebrate everyone in our community."

The free festival will feature a colourful walk through the town centre together with 10 hours of main stage entertainment, as well as cabaret and education stages, a bar, and stalls offering food and drinks.

Now the team is looking for extra help to spread the workload in the remaining weeks.

Penny MacDivitt said they are hoping to build on last year's success

Ms MacDivitt said: “Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success, and this year we’re expanding from Island Park into Monkton Park so that we can provide an even bigger show.

“However, while the event has grown, the number of committee members has shrunk from 16 when we first started, to just five today.

“People’s lives change due to new jobs or family commitments, and we’re grateful to everyone who’s supported us, but we desperately need more help as we get closer to the big day."

Volunteers can help with media relations, grants, fundraising, sponsorship and other tasks, as well as marshalling.

The festival will feature a colourful walk through the town centre

Chippenham Pride aims to host LGBTQIA+ events that "inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse community", it said.

"We want everyone to know they are not alone."

Ms MacDivitt added: “Committee members will play an invaluable role in supporting and growing one of the town’s most popular and colourful events.”