Member Article

TV presenters to perform at Bournemouth Pride to support inclusivity

Katy Ashworth, Nigel Clarke and Chris Jarvis, best known for their work on CBeebies, have announced they will be appearing at the Bourne Free Family Show to support inclusivity.

The popular CBeebies entertainers will perform in the FREE family fun show at one of the county’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals, taking place at Bournemouth’s Meyrick Park on Friday 7th July. Gates open at 4pm and the show starts at 5pm.

Having worked in children’s television and theatre for over 30 years, Chris Jarvis said he is thrilled to be part of the festival and to be welcoming new talent from the area including students from the ‘Steppin’ Out Academy’ and recent graduates from ‘Arts University Bournemouth.’

He said: “This is the second year running that I’ve put together the first part of the family show at the Bournemouth Pride festival. We’ll be on the Main Stage from 5pm until 7pm. It’s great to support events like this to promote inclusivity in a relaxed, happy family-friendly setting.

“This year I will be joined by two of my CBeebies’ friends – Nigel Clarke and Katy Ashworth – who will be bringing their unique musical talents for their brand new ‘Back to the Disco’ show. Just like other family festivals, young families can get up and join in or just chill out and enjoy the show.”

Bournemouth Pride is sponsored by Barratt Homes and organised by Dorset charity, Bourne Free, in association with the Dorset Children’s Foundation.

Dorset housebuilder, Barratt Homes, has recently been revealed as Bournemouth Pride’s main stage sponsor for the second year running, and Anthony Dimmick, Community Liaison Officer, said the festival, which is promoting equality for the LGBTQ+ community, is akin to the leading developer’s ambitions.

He said: “Bournemouth Pride is a spectacular event that’s open to everyone, regardless of race, age, sexuality, or gender, and this is something which aligns with Barratt’s own objectives. Barratt supports equality within the workforce and has recently adopted a Diversity and Inclusion programme, which means it can regularly assess the way it works and continue to provide a workplace where all its employees can feel comfortable to be themselves.

“It is a pleasure to be able to show our support for this special community event in Bournemouth again for 2023.”

Bournemouth Pride is one of the county’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals organised by Bourne Free and is an opportunity for the community to get together for an inclusive event, that’s open to all.

Chair of Bourne Free, Christopher Ashton-Hollis, said: “We are really grateful to Chris Jarvis for agreeing to host our family night on Friday again this year, and to Barratt for sponsoring our main stage. Having names like Chris’s and Barratt’s behind us mean we are able to really levitate the important message of inclusivity – and celebrate it too.”

CBeebies’ star, Chris Jarvis, will be hosting the family fun night on Friday 7th July, between 5pm and 7pm, before handing over to Lea Martin. On Saturday 8th July, there will be music from East 17, Big Brovaz, and Phats and Small, among others.

Bourne Free was set up in 2004 by prominent figures and members of the LGBTQ+ community after a far-right group with anti-gay views protested in Bournemouth town centre. Since then, Bournemouth Pride has become an annual event celebrating and promoting equality and the town’s rich diversity. Money raised goes to the Bourne Free Community Fund, which has donated £18,000 to local groups and charities over the last 18 months.

Chris Jarvis will be performing in Aladdin at the Lighthouse in Poole in December – a pantomime that he’s also written and directed.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .