Local employers pledge their support for Pride celebrations

Two of Darlington’s biggest employers have thrown their support behind the town’s annual Pride celebrations.

Cummins engine manufacturers and care home operator HC-One are proud to sponsor this year’s three-day Pride Weekender in August, celebrating Darlington’s LGBTQIA+ community.

The three-day event, which is organised by the Council, promises to be one of the highlights of the summer!

The family friendly Pride Weekender will take place in the Market Square on Saturday 12 August, on Sunday 13 August, South Park is the venue for the Pride picnic and, the long-standing MonGay night, which hosts drag acts, cabaret, and parties in LGBTQIA+ friendly bars and pubs across the town, will finish the Pride celebrations in style on Monday 14 August.

A full line up on Saturday, which is supported by on stage British Sign Language interpretation on stage, includes the Pride March to kick off the event at noon, followed by a host of terrific tribute acts, including one that is ‘simply the best!’, plus, live music, street theatre, food and drink, information stalls and activities to entertain the whole family.

The Pride Picnic in South Park on Sunday 13 August is a relaxed, quiet family event, featuring a drag story time, kids crafts and face painting.

Councillor James Coe, Darlington Borough Council’s newly appointed LGBTQIA+ champion, said: “Darlington has a strong tradition of supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and the Pride Weekender has grown over the years to become one of the largest.

“Most other PRIDE events now have to charge an attendance fee to help towards costs, however, here in Darlington, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, Cummins and HC-One – who are proud to sponsor our event and support the LGBTQIA+ community – many of who will be their own staff, customers or service users – we are able to plan our Pride celebrations for everyone to join in, without having to charge.

“We hope to welcome many to our Pride Weekender, everyone is welcome to attend, whether they’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or not. The weekend events are family-friendly and once again this event, promises to be an absolute blast and one to remember in Darlington.”

Cummins and HC-One are both proud to provide sponsorship for a second year, to pledge their continued support for their local community, and to help ensure the three-day event remains free for everyone to attend.

Technology leader and engine manufacturer Cummins has been based at its Yarm Road site since 1965 and employs more than 1,500 people.

Steve Morley, Interim Plant Manager for Darlington, said: “Cummins is delighted to be sponsoring Darlington Pride again. Diversity and Inclusion are two of our core values and it’s important to us to show support to the LGBTQIA+ community within our local area, that includes many of our colleagues, friends, and family.”

HC-One, founded in 2011, operates almost 300 care homes nationally and has its headquarters in Archer Street.

James Tugendhat, HC-One’s Chief Executive Officer said: “HC-One is delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Darlington Pride once again. As one of Darlington’s biggest employers, it’s important to us as an organisation to support the LGBTQIA+ community and promote inclusivity and diversity, and support Residents and Colleagues to be their best and true selves.”

James Morrissey, Head of Human Resources at HC-One commented: “HC-One is honoured to be sponsoring and celebrating pride in Darlington for the second consecutive year, championing equality, understanding, respect and inclusivity for all.

“Our Colleagues are really looking forward to getting involved in the Darlington Pride celebrations this year including the Pride Festival.

“For Darlington Pride this year, we at HC-One will also be paying a special tribute to a much loved and missed Colleague, Alan Miller-Young, who sadly passed away suddenly at the end of last year. Alan was an advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community and was actively involved with the Darlington Pride celebrations last year.”

More details about the Pride Weekender will be made available in the run up to the event, but for the latest information, visit www.facebook.com/Darloprideweekender