Kino Lounge ready to host Kettering Pride event with free fun for all the family

The cafe bar is organising the event on Saturday, August 15, to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, with a day full of live entertainment and fun-filled activities.

Already signed up to appear will be drag acts Fanny Burns and Rubella Vaxine and live music from The Saturnos – hosts for the day.

To make the day a big a success as possible, supporters are being asked to donate to help with funding.

Kettering Town Council’s Cllr Lux Williams, who is supporting the event, said: “It’s amazing to see Pride return to Kettering and have the LGBTQ+ and ally communities coming together.

“It will be a time of celebration of how far we’ve come, and building community for the struggles we still face just for being ourselves, especially for our trans+ friends.”

As well as LGBT comedians and film screenings in the Parish Hall, there will be ⁠community art, ⁠glitter face painting, ⁠live music, ⁠DJs, kicked off by Northants 1 at 10am with a warm-up set.

At midday there will be a parade to the Gold Street clocktower from Market Place led by a band.

Cllr Emily Fedorowycz said: “Kino Lounge is leading the charge this year for Kettering Pride and I’m so happy to be part of the huge number of community members who have come together to help make this a vibrant and fun day for everyone.

“I remember attending my first Pride in Norwich and the whole city filled the streets – it was one big party.

“A celebration of being able to love who you want to love, and everyone was welcome.

“Even if you are not LGBTQ+ yourself, come on down, take part in the parade, bang a drum, make some noise and enjoy the music in the sunshine.

“It’s a day all about love, and we have a lot of love in Kettering.”

Local businesses and individuals are being asked for donations or to be part of the entertainment.

A JustGiving donations fundraising page has set a target of £5,000 to make the day as ‘big and as fabulous’ as possible.

Cllr Lianne Robinson added: “We are so happy to be supporting the Kettering Pride event that the Kino has instigated.

“We really want this to become a highlight of our events calendar every year and it needs to be self-sustaining, so if you are a business, please consider sponsoring the event.

“Some bad actors are trying to 'other' members of our community' and we aren't going to let it happen. Kettering is on the up and Pride is a major part of that. Let's all stop pointing fingers at each other and celebrate how good life can be together.

“I hope to see all of Kettering out again for another fantastic free event for all.”