Novus celebrates Pride 2020

Despite the Manchester Pride Festival 2020 being postponed until next year, Novus is proud to celebrate equality and inclusivity for all.

Festival organisers postponed this year’s celebrations due to Covid-19 but have made a commitment to deliver on their exciting plans for 2021, which they say will be a celebration to remember of LGBT+ life in Manchester.

Usually, we would be preparing to take part in the Manchester Pride parade alongside our LTE Group colleagues from The Manchester College, UCEN Manchester, MOL Learn and Total People.

In previous years, we have helped plan, organise and decorate the parade with the support of Pride in Prison and Probation (PiPP). Though that’s not possible this year, we will be reflecting on why Pride is so important and looking back at previous years’ celebrations.

Sarah Hartley, Operational Lead for Creative Arts, Enrichment and Families said: “Working in partnership with Pride in Prison and Probation on the Pride events over the last few years has been great in enabling new opportunities for learners to participate in. 

“The stated theme for the year has given a starting point for creative briefs, which participants have been able to respond and create exciting, vibrant results to take into the public setting, in order to contribute to the celebration of the LGBTQ world. Outcomes have been fantastic, imaginative and of a high standard!

“Over the years working in this way and contributing to the Pride brief has enabled conversations within the prison setting, which has helped to dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups, and has supported greater understanding around cultural diversity and respect.”

In light of the postponement of this year’s festival, you can still support the Manchester Pride charity here.