TORBAY is to host its first gay pride festival.
Tourism and members of the 13,000-strong gay community want the multi-faceted event to attract more visitors to the Bay. Pride Torbay co-organiser Matt Newbury said: “It has always amazed me that Torbay doesn’t have a large gay pride event, when just about every other seaside resort across the country does. “We have a huge gay population in the Bay and it would be fantastic to put together something really fun that will encourage more gay visitors to the area, especially outside of the main season. “It will also send out a very positive message that Torbay is a gay-friendly resort at all times, and welcomes all visitors inclusively. It will also be a great event for the local gay community and their friends and family.” Mr Newbury said there would not be any gay pride march or parade because it is considered ‘too tacky’ and might not be to everyone’s taste. Instead Pride Torbay would be a four-day festival with a variety of events taking place all over the Bay including a boat trip, live cabaret, a beach party, a cream tea garden party, a pool party and cinema screenings making for a packed and diverse programme.
The events are expected to take place in gay and gay-friendly bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels as well as a couple of quirky venues.