Big changes coming to Vancouver Pride parade, festival this summer
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One of Vancouver’s most popular summer festivals will look very different this year.
The Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) announced today that the 2023 Vancouver Pride Parade will follow a new route to the festival’s new location in False Creek.
It will be a big change for the event, which has been held in Vancouver’s West End for decades. This year will also see the festival expand its programming to the entire weekend.
Pride Weekend’s signature Parade will take place on Sunday, August 6, beginning at the intersection of Davie Street and Denman and ending at the new festival site at Concord Pacific Place.
While it starts at Davie Street, it will not travel along the previous route and will instead move to Beach and Pacific.
This year is the 43rd consecutive Vancouver Pride. The first Vancouver Pride parade with a city permit was held in 1981.
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According to Allison Dunne and Madison Holding, VPS co-executive directors, the changes will allow more people to enjoy Pride festivities together.
“We are excited to announce this change to the parade route and festival location and to also announce that the festival will now be two days long,” said Holding in a release. “By moving to Concord Pacific Place and expanding the festival to two days, we are creating a more inclusive and accessible event that will accommodate a larger number of attendees.”
VPS shared that the decision to implement the changes was made following community consultations and an accessibility audit. The society added that its goal is to make the event more accessible for disabled people, improve transportation options for attendees, and expand capacity in the lead-up to Canada Pride 2024.
Vancouver Pride Parade (EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock)
This year’s parade will proceed down Beach Avenue and Pacific Street with over 100 local community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses and more expected to showcase their support for the 2SLGBTQAI+ communities.
It will also feature three accessible viewing zones, a dozen superstar hosts, and a VIP viewing area to catch all the action.
“We are proud to be part of Vancouver Pride Society’s ongoing commitment and work to ensure that all 2SLGBTQAI+ people see themselves reflected recognize and welcome at events,” said Heather McCain, founder and executive director of Live Educate Transform Society.”They are prioritizing the lived expertise of people from the population most directly impacted to make these important, positive accessibility improvements.”
The annual Pride Parade and Festival draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and participants each year, and organizers are excited for the community to come together this summer.
Vancouver Pride Parade/Shutterstock
The 2023 Vancouver Pride Festival will stretch from Creekside Park to Concord Community Park and Concorde Pacific Place.
“We are confident that this new location will enhance the experience for everyone and will provide a platform for the community to celebrate diversity, acceptance, and inclusivity,” said Dunne in a statement.
VPS is currently accepting applications to participate in the Vancouver Pride Parade. Vendors and performers interested in being part of the Vancouver Pride Festival can also apply online.
Daily Hive is a proud media partner of the Vancouver Pride SocietyĀ
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