Cambridge is getting its own Pride Festival

Pride is coming to Cambridge in 2018

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The city of Cambridge is set to experience its first festival celebrating LGBT+ culture and pride in the summer of 2018.

One of the founding committee members, Elizabeth Wynn, has confirmed that the festival is in the early stages of conception, and that she hopes to start sponsorship and fundraising events by the end of September. She and her team "want to make it enjoyable and colourful", as well as being "accessible to everyone."

Sir Ian McKellen at Manchester Pride last month

Sir Ian McKellen at Manchester Pride last month

According to a survey conducted by The Tab, 18% of students at Cambridge do not identify as straight – the second highest figure for a university in the country.

Working under the umbrella of Cambridge Pink Festival, Cambridge Pride isn't expected to rival the size and scale of other events, such as Brighton or London. However, Wynn hopes the event will allow "people who wouldn't get a chance at a larger event to perform and get involved."

Simon Percelay, the Chair of CUSU LGBT+, commented to The Tab:

"CUSU LGBT+ is very happy to hear about the organisation of a Pride festival at Cambridge, and we hope to be working closely with the team organising the event. We will try our best to represent the interests of the student population, but we also encourage all Cambridge LGBT+ students that are interested to run for a position on the Pride committee!"

Many Cambridge colleges fly the rainbow pride flag at the start of February, LGBT History Month

Many Cambridge colleges fly the rainbow pride flag at the start of February, LGBT History Month

Applications are now open for the festival's executive committee, including the roles of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Head of Finances, Head of Marketing and Communications, Head of Community and Inclusion, and Head of Operations and Production. To apply, e-mail [email protected] specifying your desired role, whether you're part of the LGBT+ community and what you can contribute to the festival. Applications close on 12th September.

If you're keen to get involved but on a smaller scale, volunteers will be recruited closer to the date of the festival, in 2018.

For updates and more information, check out @CambridgePride on twitter