Almost a decade of Margate Pride: A Journey of Activism, Community, and Queer Joy.
Margate has an interesting and colourful history of Pride celebrations, with earlier iterations across Thanet that were as fleeting as they were memorable. The gaypevine shares legendary tales of a Thanet Pride that saw Bucks Fizz singing on the seafront—right before the tide rolled in, washing away the stage. Then there’s the story of the infamous Pride shark, which, as legend has it, made a dramatic getaway with the fundraising money. Despite their charm, these Prides lasted no more than a year, but they laid the groundwork for what was to come.
In 2016, a new chapter began with Margate Pride: a grassroots, arts-led, and community-focused Pride determined to stay true to its roots, creating a lasting legacy of celebration, visibility, and protest.
2016: The Beginning of a Movement.
Margate Pride began in 2016 as a grassroots response to rising homophobia and transphobia, with a small but passionate parade led by local creatives Amy Redmond, Dan Chilcott and Tommy Poppers. Determined to create a Pride true to its origins, the founders focused on art, community, and protest as core values. The event brought together people from all walks of life, uniting in a celebration of love and acceptance. Gina, a local bakery owner, recalls the feeling of the town coming together for the first time: “Pride was a way of telling people we’re here, and we’re proud to be part of the community.”
2017: Growing Connections
In its second year, Margate Pride expanded its reach and ambitions, welcoming new team members Alex Menace, Mia Pollak, Lo Lo Noble and Pink Suits who brought their professional expertise in events and community organising to help Pride grow. The year saw the introduction of youth workshops and inclusive social spaces for LGBTQIA+ elders. Kelie, now running the Be You Project, helped establish a youth group where teens could create costumes and floats for Pride. “It was amazing to see young people so engaged,” Kelie recalls.
Roger, founder of Thanet’s 50+ LGBT group, described the change: “In the early days, you had to be careful, but Pride felt different—like a safe and welcoming space where we could be ourselves.” Pride remained grassroots while reaching more of the community, creating meaningful opportunities for connection across generations and underrepresented groups.
2018: A Celebration of Creativity
By 2018, Margate Pride had established itself as a platform for creativity, with art and performance at its core. This year saw vibrant floats, community workshops, and a diverse range of performances that elevated the event’s visibility and inclusivity. Local artist and drag performer Victoria Carriage recalls her personal milestone: “It was my second Pride, and for the first time, my parents saw me perform in drag. They loved it! It was such a special moment for me and my family.”
The parade and associated events showcased the work of LGBTQIA+ artists, providing a platform for voices that had often been underrepresented. From costume-making workshops to art installations and live performances, the town was alive with colour and energy.
2019: Unity and Resistance
Margate Pride reached new heights in 2019, drawing participants from across the UK and beyond. The parade stretched down Fort Hill, creating a striking sea of rainbow flags, colorful costumes, and joyful faces. Families, allies, and local businesses joined in solidarity, reflecting Margate’s transformation into a hub of acceptance and creativity. Sue, founder of LGBT History Month, praised the event for maintaining its community focus: “What Margate has done so beautifully is keep Pride grounded. It’s not just about celebration—it’s a protest, a call to action for inclusion and rights. It shows the power of a community standing together.”
The year’s events included workshops, panel discussions, and performances, highlighting local talent while drawing attention to issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. Roger, reflecting on the atmosphere, said: “When I saw that sea of people coming down Fort Hill, I thought, ‘This is it—this is what community looks like.’” Margate Pride continued to grow as a beacon of unity, resilience, and creativity.
2020: Adapting Through Adversity
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for Margate Pride, but the team’s dedication ensured the spirit of Pride endured. With parades and large gatherings impossible, the organisers pivoted to socially distanced art projects, outdoor events, and virtual activities that kept the community connected during a time of isolation. Alex Menace introduced the Pride Art Trail, inspired by an idea she’d seen in Hackney called the Jumble Trail, turning Margate’s shops and venues into pop-up galleries showcasing work by local LGBTQIA+ artists.
Amy Redmond, reflecting on the year, said: “It was heartbreaking not to have the parade, but we found new ways to come together. The creativity and love shown by everyone involved reminded me why we do this.”
Local groups like the Be You Project and LGBThanet+ continued to thrive, offering vital support to young people during difficult times. Victoria Carriage noted the importance of maintaining Pride’s presence: “Even though we couldn’t gather in the same way, the message of Pride was louder than ever. It showed that no matter what, we’re still here, and we’re still proud.”
2020 demonstrated the resilience, adaptability, and creativity of Margate Pride, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the community and proving that even in difficult times, Pride can find a way to shine.
2021:
In 2021, as the world began to emerge from the challenges of the pandemic, Margate Pride returned with creativity, resilience, and an art-led approach. Large gatherings were still restricted, but the team, supported by the community, found new ways to bring people together safely. Events were spread out across the town, with outdoor art installations, small-scale performances, online parties and socially distanced celebrations ensuring the Pride spirit remained alive. The Pride Art Trail, introduced the year before, became a focal point, transforming Margate into an open-air gallery showcasing works by queer artists with Curator Lo Lo Noble.
Alex Menace introduced Mx Margate, an alternative queer beauty pageant that gave a tongue-in-cheek nod to Margate’s beauty pageants of yesteryear. Lo Lo Noble introduced the first artist residency BRINK at the Nayland Rock Hotel and Margate Queer Writers continued to deliver thought-provoking and engaging projects.
Amy emphasised the importance of keeping Pride grassroots and inclusive: “We wanted young queer kids and families to still feel seen and supported, even in uncertain times. Pride is about joy, but it’s also about visibility and connection.”
The smaller-scale Pride of 2021 proved that the movement was more than a single day—it was an enduring commitment to Margate’s LGBTQIA+ community.
2022: A Full-Throttle Celebration
By 2022, Margate Pride was back in full force, taking over the town during the Festival with energy, activism, and celebration. Crowds packed The Oval Bandstand and Lawns for a day of performances, including storytime with Dame Jame, dance classes with Kanndiss Riley, Drag Energy workshops by JazBazMaz, and a show-stopping performance from the Social Singing Choir. The much-loved Mx Margate alternative beauty pageant returned, judged by celebrity guest Dame Tracey Emin.
The Pride rally brought its activist heart to life, with powerful speeches from Sue Sanders (LGBT+ History Month), African Rainbow Family, Not A Phase, and local leaders like Deputy Mayor Rob Yates.
The Pride Art Map, curated by Lo Lo Noble, saw the second BRINK artist residency at Resort Studios, the Red Flags open call show at The Margate School, and much much more.
As well as the summer Festival, year-round programming had a higher profile including the now regular fixture, Tea Time Social that hosts swishy seniors, and service users from East Kent Kencap hosted by members of the community for performances, tea and cake!
This year also saw Margate Pride participate in the Our Screen Heritage project, celebrating, preserving and sharing the LGBTQIA+ film heritage of Kent and the South East. ‘Our Screen Heritage’ was a lottery project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton. It ran from November 2021 – April 2023. A group of volunteer curators underwent training to archive, curate, edit a film and programme a series of outcomes delivered at the end of 2022.
2023: Pride reaches new heights.
Margate Pride hit its stride in 2023, becoming a year-round celebration of LGBTQIA+ life, activism, and artistry. Events across the town included during fundraisers, craft workshops, exhibitions, and social gatherings, on top of the Festival. Following on from the Our Screen Heritage project, history-focussed events were programmed shedding a fascinating light on Margate’s LGBTQIA+ history.
Thousands lined the streets to cheer the Pride Parade, which snaked from The Oval Bandstand to the clock tower alongside numerous parties across town. Kavel Rafferty joined as new Pride Art Map curator, overseeing more exhibitions with queer artists than ever before.
The Pride Day evening brought campness to Margate, with Jodie Harsh, Bimini Bon Boulash, Tom Rasmussen, and Clair from Steps and Bewitched headlining alongside local icons like Dame Jame, Janet District Council, and Shelly Grotto and with a surprise performance from Peaches.
2024:
Margate Pride received some core funding at the end of 2023, to support 40% of the projected turnover for 5 years from The National Lottery Community Fund, and were able to establish some part-time roles. This hugely support the sustainability of Margate Pride which had previously been delivered by a committee of volunteers with project-to-project funding.
With a new team on board - Kate on comms, Ellie as community engagement, Harry on Operations, led by Amy and Mia - a focus on accessibility and inclusivity drove programming and delivery that saw thousands engage with the festival, many of whom lined or took part on the streets to cheer the Pride Parade, which snaked from Walpole Bay Lawns along The Esplanade before ending at Dreamland.
Dreamland buzzed with free events, stalls, and performances, featuring queer talent from near and far. Margate Youth Pride debuted, offering a vibrant space for younger LGBTQIA+ people to celebrate, complete with live music, crafting sessions, and the first Little Mx Margate junior pageant hosted by Dr Ronx alongside Natalie and Naomi from everyday racism, and Jordan Stephens. Amy Redmond, reflecting on the event, said: “We wanted kids to see themselves reflected, to know they’re perfect just as they are.”
The evening brought campness to Margate, with Jodie Harsh, Bimini Bon Boulash, Raven Mandella headlining alongside local icons like Dame Jame, Pretzl Cage, Janet District Council, and Shelly Grotto.
Securing a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant saw the delivery of ‘New Rumours - a celebration of Margate’s LGBT+ venues of the 1980s and 1990s’ stemming from stories connected to legend Shirley Sullivan, with research and delivery led by Jennifer Scott and Bob Chicalors.
We invite you to share your memories, photos, videos, artwork, posters, and any other mementoes that capture the spirit of Margate Pride. By contributing to our digital legacy, you’re helping to preserve the history of our community’s resilience, creativity, and joy. These pieces tell the story of how Margate Pride and queer Margate has grown and evolved, showcasing the impact it’s had on individuals and the town as a whole. Your contributions ensure future generations can celebrate and learn from our shared journey.