Bentley main partner for Pride 2020

Bentley Motors UK, will be the main partner for Cheshire East Virtual Pride 2020.

The partnership with Crewe-based Bentley signifies a major step up for the profile of Pride events in Cheshire given the challenges posed by putting on an online event after having to postpone and then cancel the live outdoor event for 2020.

The online event, which will take place on Saturday, July 25, from 2-7pm, will feature an eclectic mix of interviews, music, competitions, performances and information supporting the LGBT+ community.

Presenters will introduce acts and interviews as the council makes the best effort possible to recreate Pride in the Park to an online audience.

Cllr Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health and corporate services, said: “Very quickly Pride has become one of our most celebrated days in the council’s calendar.

“I am delighted that, even though we won’t be able to host an outdoor live event this year, an organisation of the calibre of Bentley has decided to become a partner. It’s a fantastic endorsement of what we are doing.”

Dr Astrid Fontaine, Bentley Motors member of the board for people, digitalisation and IT, said: “As Bentley steps up its emphasis on the importance of diversity and inclusion, we’re delighted to be sponsoring Cheshire East’s virtual pride celebrations – and our rainbow Bentley captures the essence of that perfectly.”

Cllr Marilyn Houston, member equality champion, said: “Preparations for this year’s online event are coming along really well.

“We know it’s not the same as being there with friends, but the organising team have done a terrific job of pulling together elements of what you might have seen on the day and adding a few twists as well. Please tune in to our broadcast.”

Pride in the Park will return to Queens Park, Crewe, as a live outdoor event on Saturday, June, 19, 2021.