BUSINESSES and groups that support the LGBT+ communities of Glasgow and the west of Scotland are being invited to register to march as part of the city’s Pride festival.

The march for LGBT+ equality will take place on Glasgow fair Saturday (July 16), winding its way through the streets of the city centre with an emphasis on floats to give the public the opportunity to support the parade.

For the first time ever a pride hub will be hosted at the brand-new Strathclyde Student Union as part of a two day celebration of entertainment, education and tolerance. The new building, which was opened by President Barack Obama as part of his visit to Glasgow for COP26, is one of the largest licensed premises in the UK. It will offer the first opportunity for non-students to see the new venue on July 16 and 17.

In 2020, Glasgow’s Pride was cancelled due to the pandemic but the group participated in a special Global Pride event which was addressed by the First Minister and had entertainment from Elton John and Queen. The online broadcast was watched by more than 57 million people internationally. In 2021, Glasgow and Birmingham were the only cities in the UK to host Pride marches.

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Chair of the organising committee at Glasgow’s Pride, Dan Syme, said: “After a long couple of years where we have all struggled to deal with the pandemic this summer will be the time for Glasgow to let down its hair and party and we are working hard with our partners at the Council and Scottish Government to ensure that Glasgow’s LGBT+ communities are highlighted in a vibrant celebration of equality but also demonstrate to the public the economic benefit to Glasgow of a major pride march with the associated spend in bars, restaurants, shops and hotels.”

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The LGBT+ communities and supporters of Glasgow and the west have also been invited to attend a special national pride, as part of Edinburgh’s Pride which will mark 25 years of the pride movement in Scotland on June 25 in Edinburgh.

Registration for Pride opened yesterday and is available at www.mardigla.org