Two new Pride-liveried buses have entered service in the West of England while Brighton and Hove Buses has confirmed that its established Pride vehicle will return for the city’s celebrations in August.
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and First Bus unveiled two green buses wearing a new rainbow design ahead of Bristol Pride on 11 July. The vehicles will retain the livery for 12 months promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion across the region. One was included in the Bristol Pride parade, which formed the centrepiece of a fortnight-long programme of events.
“The West of England is a diverse and welcoming region where everyone should feel safe, respected and able to be themselves,” comments Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England. “Bristol Pride, alongside events in Bath, Weston, and other parts of our region, are a hugely important part of our cultural calendar, bringing people together to celebrate our diversity. I wasn’t sure that our new green buses could get any better, but I’ll be proud to see the Pride buses travelling across our progressive region as symbols of acceptance and belonging.”
Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove Buses has introduced special timetables for Brighton and Hove Pride, which takes place 1-2 August.
Route 600 shuttle buses will connect Preston Park, the Old Steine and Waterhall Campsite, while the Pride bus will participate in the parade.
The vehicle carries a livery selected through public vote and honours prominent local campaigner the late George Montague. It will be stationed near the Peace Statue on Hove Lawns in partnership with mASCot, providing a safe space for families and children with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) before joining the event shuttle operation.
Representatives from Crawley Pride, Seahaven Pride, BourneOut Café and Drop-In Centre will accompany Brighton and Hove Buses in the parade.
Says Matt Ashton, Managing Director at Brighton and Hove Buses: “Brighton and Hove Pride is extremely important to our community. We are always thrilled to support the weekend, not only by playing our part in making sure people can travel safely to and from the event, but in our partnership and support of Brighton and Hove Pride and all it does for local LGBTQ+ people.
“We want everyone to have a fantastic time, which is why we’re putting on special services between Preston Park, the Old Steine and Waterhall Campsite. We highly recommend that people plan their journeys and allow plenty of time to get home.”
