Your guide to Lincoln Pride 2019

Thousands of people are expected to attend the 2019 Lincoln Pride event at the Arboretum Park on Monks Road.

Platnum, the group behind 2008 hit “Love Shy” and Stooshe, singers of “Black Heart” will take to the stage, with the day culminating in a live performance by N-Dubz & X-Factor star Tulisa.

There won’t be a parade this year, but organisers are hoping this will return in 2020.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the event this Saturday:

The gates open at 11am in the Arboretum, where there will be over 40 stalls, two bars (plus a private VIP bar), and seven food vendors.

There will also be a family area in conjunction with local organisations Think2Speak, YMCA, The EBP and Edan Lincs. It will feature family-specific stalls, craft activities, face-painting, soft play equipment, bean bags, games and more.

Entry is free throughout the day. There are also Golden Circle (front row) tickets priced at £20. VIP ticket holders (£45) get access to private bar, bandstand viewing area and toilet facilities along with a complimentary drink, official Lincoln Pride 2019 wristband and queue-jump at the official after party. Get tickets here.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The approximate timings are:

• 11am – Gates open at Arboretum
• 12pm – Mayor officially opens the event followed by local speakers, poets and musicians
• 3pm – Poster line-up begins (including Kelly Wilde, Seann Miley Moore, Dene Michael Star of Black Lace, Ariana Grande Tribute, Jack Rose, Eleci C, Amir)
• 5pm – Headline acts begin (Tulisa, Platnum, Stoosche)
• 7pm – Gates close at Arboretum
• 7pm-7am – Official afterparty at The Scene

Organisers have also introduced a donation-based bus service to carry attendees to and from the event. Each trip will have a suggested donation of £1 with all funds raised going directly to Lincoln Pride.

The bus will run between Lincoln Central Train Station, The Scene and The Arboretum throughout the day from 10.30am to 8pm every 20 minutes with a break between 2pm-3pm.

The Scene will be open throughout the day for those who are looking to spend some time indoors. The venue will also host the official after party in the evening from 7pm to 7am with performances from stars Platnum, Seann Miley Moore, Lady Bears of Leeds & Kelly Wilde.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

“We’re really looking forward to Lincoln Pride 2019,” said Philip Yeo, one of the organisers of the event.

“We hope that more members of the local community than ever people will come out to show their pride. This is the first time we’ve held a Lincoln Pride on grass, so sensible shoes are encouraged but otherwise the more colourful the better!”

Lincolnshire Police Inspector Rachel Harrison said: “Lincoln Pride is always a wonderful event and we love being part of the celebrations.

“We want everyone who attends to stay safe, report any suspicious activity and enjoy a day which is about celebrating diversity, reflecting on how far the LGBT community has come and promoting inclusivity in our communities.

“Please come along and enjoy the event that has put together by the Lincoln Pride Event Team. Our thanks go out to them and their team for all of their hard work and wish them luck for the day.

“Myself and the team will be on hand in the Arboretum during the event should you need us. I would encourage everyone to take up the opportunity to engage with us and maybe even get a selfie.

“And because it’s Lincoln Pride, I think it’s a good time to wear my rainbow epaulettes and shoelaces!”