Bluewater to Host ‘Tree of Pride’

by | Jun 20, 2023 | Bluewater, Dartford Community

In celebration of Pride Month this June, Bluewater is hosting a ‘Tree of Pride’, inviting visitors to decorate the tree with their pledges to work toward a more inclusive and loving future.  

The community art piece will be touring the country gathering the public’s promises, blooming with messages of love, unity, and acceptance on its journey. Guests are encouraged to commit to one of the suggested pledges or to leave a positive sentiment that feels right to them, such as a dedication to a loved one.

In honour of the Tree of Pride and Pride Month, Bluewater has made a £5,000 donation to Dartford Pride. The funds will be used towards promoting the return of Dartford Pride for 2023 as well as funding the event itself. Additionally, the donation will be used to provide ‘West End Workshops’ to teach young people about performing arts whilst giving them the opportunity to gain experience, social skills, and self-confidence.

The Tree of Pride will be at Bluewater on Friday 30th June and Saturday 1st July, and the public are invited to participate from 10am – 6pm on both days.

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “We celebrate our wonderfully diverse community all day, every day, and Pride Month is an opportunity to put a spotlight on progress made so far, and the work still to be done.  

“We look forward to reading our visitors’ messages celebrating inclusivity, and to seeing the positive impact of the work led by Dartford Pride throughout the year.”  

Curtis Sutherland, Co-ordinator of Dartford Pride, commented: “We are delighted to have the support of Bluewater Shopping Centre for this year’s Dartford Pride.

“This is the second year of Dartford Pride after it first launched in July 2022. The event is a fantastic platform to represent and support the local LGBTQIA+ community.  Run in partnership with Dartford Borough Council, we are excited to bring back the Pride stage, which will include live entertainment from River Medway, Queenz, West End performers, X Factor’s Anton Stephans, Strictly’s Graziano Di Prima and more acts to be confirmed.” Visit https://bluewater.co.uk to find out more.

WALKING WITH THE DARTS | FEBRUARY EDITION

The February edition of Dartford Living Magazine is out now. However, if you're unable to locate your free copy, here is the latest edition of Walking With The Darts: Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things...

MARVEL FANS ASSEMBLE!

CAPTAIN AMERICA SHIELD AND HULK HAND INSTALLATION COMES TO SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX BLUEWATER  Superhero fans heading to Captain America: Brave New World at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater will get an extra treat, as an exclusive Marvel installation has...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET SARAH HILL

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Dartford FC Women attacker Sarah Hill featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article:...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DUANE OFORI-ACHEAMPONG

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Duane Ofori-Acheampong featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Since...

Ofsted praises “united and harmonious” Dartford primary school

Temple Hill Primary Academy in Dartford has been praised by Ofsted for being a “friendly and inclusive school” where pupils “value their education” and “aspire to do well”. The Ofsted inspectors judged the academy, which is part of The Golden Thread Alliance Trust, to...

NEW HOBBIES FOR A NEW YEAR, Sing, Strum or Sweat it out in 2025!

We continue to offer plenty of opportunities for the local community to GET INVOLVED with our weekly clubs, all taking place in Acacia Sports Hall, Dartford. We kick off the week with Chair Fit on Mondays, a fully accessible exercise class. Set to popular music, these...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET GABBY HOWELL

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women right-back Gabby Howell featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Gabby Howell signed for...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DEAN NAYLER

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dean Nayler featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Dean Nayler is another promising player to emerge from the...

Dartford Grammar School celebrates International School Award win on 25th Anniversary of the prestigious prize

Dartford Grammar School Head Teacher, Mr. Julian Metcalf, and their Head of Languages, Mrs. Donna Kane, were delighted to recently attend the 2025 International School Award Ceremony in Westminster to receive their reaccreditation certificate for this prestigious...

HARIBO UK announces date for Bluewater retail store opening

-          Latest HARIBO UK retail store set to open on 12 February 2025 -          Sweet confectionery leader’s 11th retail store will welcome shoppers with free...