Bute Pride is back and organisers are promising a weekend of visibility, celebration, and protest from August 8-10, with events taking place across Rothesay and beyond.
Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural Pride, co-chairs Angie Webb and Ayshea Simpson say this year will be even bigger and better, with a packed programme designed to celebrate the island’s LGBTQ+ community while also standing firm against ongoing prejudice.
Angie Webb said: “On behalf of the Bute LGBTQ+ committee, we welcome everyone to Bute Pride 2025.
“This will be a festival of diversity, beginning with a free showing of Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Discovery Centre at 4pm, followed by entertainment at the Rabbie, late night at the Islander on Saturday, Sunday brunch at Ambience from 1pm, and finishing with the sensational Phe Galley and Jimmy McCauley at the Galatea at 4pm.”
At the heart of the weekend is the Pride March, which sets off from the Seasports Club at 1.30pm on Saturday, August 9, making its colourful and noisy way through town to Bute Yard, where entertainment will continue until 10pm.
“Bring a whistle, make some noise” Webb added, encouraging locals and visitors alike to show their support and solidarity.
But this years Pride is about more than celebration its also a statement.
“Make no mistake, this will also be a protest event”, said co-chair Ayshea Simpson.
“Were marking the body blows that our community has suffered recently and in the past.
“There were 1,818 charges for sexual orientation aggravated offences in Scotland reported in 2023/24.
“One is too many.
“My heart also goes out to the trans community, who I personally know have been suffering since the supreme court judgment.”
Bute Pride is open to all, and organisers say they are committed to making it a welcoming, inclusive event for every age, identity, and background.
Full event details and updates are available on the groups official website: https://butepride.com/
