Bourne Free Pride Festival July 10, 2008

In 2008 the fifth annual Bourne Free Pride Festival will be taking over the seaside resort of Bournemouth for 3 days, from Friday 11th until Sunday 13th of July!

The event is a colourful celebration of all diversities that live in the area and the constant strive towards universal equality for all – through entertainment and awareness.

Last year the event attracted thousands of people from across the UK, so for 2008 it has been extended across an entire weekend with more going on than ever before.

JAZZ NIGHT
To kick things off in style, a brand new Jazz Night at The Bandstand in the Lower Gardens has been introduced for 2008. The evening of music starts at 7.30pm on Friday 11th July and will provide 3 hours of free entertainment for everyone to enjoy. The organisers are encouraging people to bring along a picnic and spend a relaxing evening listening to the smooth sounds of live jazz artists as the sun goes down over Bournemouth.

PRIDE PARADE
Saturday 12th July will be a time to "Support our Services" with a fun-filled procession through Bournemouth from 1pm. Everyone is invited to get dressed up as sexy doctors and nurses, hunky soldiers and sailors, and firemen too! The parade has a brand new route for 2008, starting at 1pm in Meyrick Park and travelling alongside the Town Hall and The Square then continuing up to The Triangle (the town's gay village) before passing the seafront at Pier Approach and finishing on Westover Road.

LIVE SHOW
From 2pm to 5pm on Saturday 12th July, the trademark Bourne Free show takes place with a variety of entertainment at The Bandstand in the Lower Gardens. There will be a great line up of top acts including a variety of performers, from singers and musicians to drag artists and comedy acts. In addition, there will be plenty of Information Stalls to browse and also a Youth Area for young people aged 11-24.

STREET PARTY
This year the massive Street Party in The Triangle is being extended from 5pm through to 11pm on Saturday 12th July (over 18's only). There will be a larger stage with entertainment, a massive beer tent, VIP area and a range of market stalls. Entry to the Street Party, and all of the town's gay venues over the weekend, will require a Bourne Free Wristband. These are available in advance for £5 from www.bournefree.co.uk and also on the day for £10, they are limited so it is advisable to get them early.

MORE FUN!
Many of Bournemouth's gay pubs, bars and clubs will also be hosting their own special events throughout the weekend. There are some exciting launch nights planned for Friday 11th July and after the Street Party finishes on Saturday 12th July most venues will be open into the early hours to keep the fun going all night long. Finally, on Sunday 13th July, there will be a Caribbean Affair at Jimmys, The Branksome and Bent plus the Raffle Draw at The Xchange.

For all the latest news and information on the Bourne Free Pride Festival for 2008 see www.bournefree.co.uk and to plan your whole pride weekend, including where to stay and where to go out, see www.gaybournemouth.net

Official Website: http://www.bournefree.co.uk