Highland Pride 2023 is fast approaching – here's what will be going on throughout the day at the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness
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Later this month, Highland Pride will return to Inverness for the first time since 2019.
It will see the event arrive at the Northern Meeting Park – originally the planned venue for 2020 before the Covid pandemic brought those plans to a screeching halt – with the Pride village having previously been held at Eden Court in 2018 and Bught Park in 2019.
At the main hub this year, there will be stalls, speeches and plenty of entertainment in the form of DJs, live music and drag queens for an anticipated crowd of up to 3000 people.
What can be expected from the 2023 edition then? Here's a run down of what's planned for Saturday, July 22.
2.30-3pm – The Parade
The first part of Highland Pride will be the march through the centre of Inverness.
Those who wish to take part are being asked to gather at Crown Primary School for 2.15pm, where a queuing system will be in place to avoid disruption for the parade.
The procession will leave at half past, progressing down Stephen’s Brae and through the High Street, before heading over Ness Bridge.
From there, it will proceed along Ness Walk and Ardross Terrace to the Northern Meeting Park, where organisers expect those marching to arrive by 3pm.
Flags, banners and placards are encouraged on the march, which is free to take part in and open to all ages – no tickets are required to march – although those under 16 must be accompanied by someone who is at least 21 years old.
It is recommended that anyone with reduced mobility join the parade at the bottom of Stephen's Brae.
3-4pm – Entering the Meeting Park
Upon arrival at the Northern Meeting Park, wristbands will be required for entry. These will be issued on evidence of a free ticket, and can be exchanged in advance of the day itself – something the Highland Pride committee would encourage attendees to do where possible to speed up the process.
There will be two entrances on Ardross Street which should only be used by those who have already collected their wristbands, and one accessible entrance from Eden Court where there will be an exchange point for people to get wristbands.
Once the parade procession has made it through the Ardross Street entrances, they will close, leaving Eden Court as the only entrance for people arriving later on for the Party in the Park.
All bags will be checked, but with thousands of people arriving at the park at roughly the same time Highland Pride are allocating around an hour to get everyone inside. The fastest way to gain entry will be to arrive with no bags and already wearing your wristband.
For those who make it in early, there will be plenty of stalls to browse, with the 30-plus expected including the likes of NHS Highland, Waverley Care, Leap Sports Scotland, the Highland Yoga Collective, the Highland Senior Citizens Network and more.
DJ collective Midnight Majic will also be on hand to provide music while people filter into the arena.
4-4.40pm – Venus Guytrap
By around 4pm, it is hoped that the vast majority of attendees at least will be inside the Meeting Park, and that's when the Party in the Park will begin in earnest.
Venus Guytrap, playing the role of host for the afternoon, will come on for her first performance of the day.
Then, she will introduce the guest speakers for the event.
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4.40-5pm – Speeches from Emma Roddick MSP and Councillor Sarah Fanet
Both of Highland Pride 2023's speakers are members of the LGBTQ+ community coming from the world of politics.
First up will be Scottish Government minister for equalities, migration and refugees Emma Roddick MSP, who has already said she is likely to touch on the political climate and Pride as a protest in her remarks.
Then those in attendance will hear from Highland councillor Sarah Fanet, who represents the Fort William and Ardnamurchan ward.
5-8pm – Time to Party
After the speeches, it will be entertainment through to the end of the time in the Meeting Park as the crowd get on their dancing shoes.
Midnight Majic will return for another half hour after the politicians' comments, and then at 5.30pm Tuath and Littlest Chicken will take to the stage to perform for an hour.
At 6.30pm, Venus Guytrap will return to the stage for another half hour, and then Dashh will headline the music from 7pm.
The Northern Meeting Park will close at 8pm as Highland Pride officially draws to a close, but for those who still have the energy and will to keep celebrating there are after-events on the go in Inverness – including a silent disco just across the road at Eden Court's Under Canvas.
Is there anything else I need to know?
In general
There is no dress code – however no nudity will be permitted. Highland Pride ask those in attendance to be conscious that families and young people will be
at the event and to dress appropriately.
Dogs are allowed! It must be kept on a lead at all times, and you are required to clear up after it if it makes a mess. You should ensure it is comfortable with the high noise levels and large number of people around them – and of course other dogs.
If your dog becomes aggressive, or if you don't follow any of the other requirements, you will be asked to leave the event and possibly even be subject to a fine from Highland Council.
If you have collected your wristband prior to the event, it is your responsibility to keep it safe – lost or damaged ones will not be replaced. If there are any spare wristbands these will be given out at the exchange point at Eden Court only after others have entered the Meeting Park.
The parade
While there is no ticketing system in place for the parade, if you intend on marching as part of a group of 10 people or more Highland Pride ask that you register here. Unregistered big groups may not be allowed to participate.
You can join the parade as it progresses through Inverness, but be mindful of others – don't try to push in where there isn't space to do so.
There will be no motorcycles or floats, and swearing, smoking, alcohol/drug consumption, nudity, offensive slogans/images, glass bottles or open flames are also all not allowed. Participants should not hand anything out to passers by either.
Costumes, music, flags, noisemakers, banners and balloons are all welcome.
Party in the Park
You may bring sealed bottled water into the Northern Meeting Park, but if the seal looks broken or looks as if it has been tampered with, it will not be allowed in by Highland Pride's security contractor.
If you bring a water bottle that is reusable, you will have to empty it before entry is gained, and you will then be able to refill it at a water dispenser inside the venue for free. Water will also be available to buy.
No alcohol can be brought in to the Meeting Park, and will be confiscated if found on entry searches. Alcohol will be available to buy for those over 18, as usual laws apply.
As it is an outdoors event, smoking and vaping is allowed, but Highland Pride encourages everyone to be respectful of others.
