The progress flag flies high in support of Southend Pride at Porters Civic House.
The Mayor of Southend, Cllr Ron Woodley, proudly raised the progress flag today at Porters Civic House, in support of Southend Pride week. The weeklong event, which runs from Saturday 6 July to Saturday 13 July, celebrates diversity, inclusion, and community spirit in our vibrant city.
In his statement, Mayor Woodley highlighted the importance of supporting Southend Pride year-round. The progress flag, prominently displayed over civic buildings, serves as a visible symbol of our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, and represents a welcoming and inclusive Southend where everyone is valued and respected.
He said: "We are proud to support Southend Pride in the work it does all year round in raising awareness and championing diversity and inclusion, and creating safe spaces and a cohesive community in our City.
"Here in Southend we celebrate the rich diversity of our city and fly the Progress flag over our civic buildings as visible support to the LGBTQ+ community, and as a symbol that everyone is welcome and included in the city of Southend."
Southend Pride welcomes everyone for a day of fun and relaxation in Warrior Square Gardens, on Saturday 13 July, between 12.00pm - 8.00pm, to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. Highlights include live performances, community stalls, local traders, a Children's Tent, and a variety of food and drink options.
Sam Adams, chair of Southend Pride, said: "We welcome the support of the Mayor, and the Mayor's office, in raising the Progress flag at Porters House to celebrate Southend Pride and our week of events. Southend is a diverse city and the flag flying over civic buildings is a visible sign that the LGBTQ+ community are welcome here."
To find out more about Southend Pride and other Pride events happening in Southend-on-Sea, follow Southend Pride on Facebook at @SouthendonSeaPride or on Twitter at @Southend_Pride