This is the second year of Dartford Pride after it first launched in July 2022.
WATCH VIDEO FROM DARTFORD PRIDE 2022
The event is a fantastic platform to represent and support the local LGBTQIA+ community and takes place outside The Orchard Theatre, with an outdoor stage and live performances.
Leader of Dartford Borough Council Jeremy Kite MBE said: “Our Dartford Pride event had a fantastic first year last summer and we couldn’t be happier to be working with The Orchard Theatre again this year.
“We have a wonderful LGBTQIA+ community in Dartford, I want this to be an amazing event for them and for the whole community.”
The Pride stage 2023 will include returning performances from River Medway and Queenz and well as new entertainment from our host X Factor’s Anton Stephans, Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima, who will teach the crowd some dance moves from upcoming musical La Bamba (31 Oct – 4 Nov), along with his associate choreographer Giada Lini. West End performers Carl Mann (Wicked), Courtney Stapleton (Six) and Scott Sutcliffe (Mamma Mia), will perform a West End Megamix of favourite songs from the shows.
Further acts include some of the UKs top tribute artists to Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Cher, singing hit after hit to keep the crowd dancing!
We will also be searching for local talent with auditions being held for Dartford’s Got Talent.
We are seeking performances from singers, dancers, comedians and more to perform on the Pride stage on Sat 22 July.
Auditions held at The Orchard Theatre on Sat 8 July 10am – 2pm, with applicants invited to register to audition via this link: https://forms.gle/H81Z9Qpt2Jy6hcuNA
Finally, the day will include stallholders, street performers, prizes, giveaways, face painting, street food and plenty of Pride spirit!
Alongside the Main event, The Orchard Theatre is hosting a series of PRIDE themed workshops, which include:
- Drag workshop with Drag King Louis Cyfer– Tue 25 July
- West End Workshops – Wed 26 July
- Story Time with Mama G – Thu 27 July
- Heel Dance Workshop – Thu 27 July
We are delighted to also have the support of Bluewater Shopping Centre for this year’s Dartford Pride, who have made a generous donation to enhance the event.
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 seeing the positive impact of the work led by Dartford Pride throughout the year.”
DARTFORD PRIDE IS A FREE EVENT – no tickets required, all ages welcome.
Follow @DartfordPride on Facebook and Instagram for updates and further act announcements.