GENERAL

1.      Why is it called Grampian Pride? We wanted to ensure that our Pride is open to everyone. By calling it Aberdeen Pride it says that it is limited to the city folk and people in the shire felt excluded. Pride is about coming together and being open to everyone, so we called it after our beloved region.

2.      When is Grampian Pride? Grampian Pride® will take place on 28^th May 2022

3.      Where is Grampian Pride? The parade will take place on Union Street, leaving from Holburn Junction at 11am and the village will be located at Queens Links, Beach Boulevard

4.      What is the theme for 2022? The theme is “just be yourself” so literally, do that. Dress yourself anyway you want, and be proud of it. Just don’t offend, and NO nudity.

5.      Is there a dress code? There is no dress code as we want you to be yourself. However, No nudity please. Remember Aberdeen City is a family area and you will be parading through the centre of it. At the Village we also welcome young people and families so again please dress appropriately. And besides, this is Aberdeen – it ain’t gonna look ‘pretty’ wet

6. Is there any age restrictions? NO. Everyone is welcome at Grampian Pride® and we have certainly got enough to entertain the whole family but if you are under 12 years old you will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times. This is not to ruin your fun, but simply to make sure you are safe. We also recommend that young children have a 2nd wristband with emergency contact details on. These will be supplied free of charge at the main gate on the day of pride.

7.      Is there alcohol allowed? No alcohol is allowed on the parade, Laws prohibit street drinking so please don’t do it. You will be pulled up, and could face a fine from ACC. Alcohol will be served at the village for over 18s but please don’t bring your own! We will do bag searches as you enter and either refuse you entry or ask that you leave the alcohol to be destroyed. And by destroyed, you know it’s going to someone’s Christmas party, right…

8.      Are pets allowed? Yes of course, but please keep them on a lead at all times. Also, if your pet, or you, foul on the grass, road or track please clear it up. We will see you and we will ask you to leave, you could also face a fine from ACC.

9.      COVID-19 COVID-19 hasn’t gone away just yet. However, things are getting a little easier. We will use you wristband registration as a “track & Trace” system. Meaning you will be contacted if there is a COVID risk. Other measures will include hand sanitizers on entry to the village, face masks and sensible site spacing. If you have any concerns please feel free to contact mail@grampianpride.org

10. I’ve seen things happening around the city you haven’t advertised! why is that? Simply put, people love to make a profit. We try to protect you, our community as much as possible, however there is only so much we can do in this regard. If we haven’t advertised it, it means it is not happening through Grampian Pride® and therefore they are NOT giving back to your community, they are simply cashing in on your Pride. 

Grampian Pride® is a registered trademark and therefore anyone using the name/logo without permission can be prosecuted in court. If you are planning on promoting your own activities around Grampian Pride® please ensure you have the permission of the committee and Four Pillars board of Trustees before doing so. 

PARADE

11. When is the parade? Please congregate on Albyn Place between 9.30am and 10:30am. We will set off from Holburn Junction at 11:00am and proceed slowly down Union Street, turning left on to Broad Street and ending at Marischal College.

12.      Do I need a ticket for the Parade? No one needs a ticket for the parade, just turn up on time!

13.  How do I register a Group/Charity? Anyone can take part in the parade for free, but to assist with planning and numbers if you are part of a registered group/organisation and attending as 10 or more we ask that you fill out a very quick form to let us know. We will then be in touch to arrange wristbands and stewards with you. After that, just turn up in plenty of time to take part (9.30 – 10.15 Albyn Place)

14. Is there an order when we arrive? There is no queue order on the day unless you are part of a registered group, so please respect each other and avoid queue jumping where possible. Obviously, if you are a part of a larger group and you are running late please join you group in the line-up, I’m sure those around you won’t mind too much. 

15.  Can we have a float? Unfortunately, due to the continued uncertainty and the financial costs involved, for both you and us. We have decided not to have floats at this years event.

16.  Can we have a banner on the parade? Yes banners are allowed, why not share with others that your charity/organisation/business is a proud supporter of LGBT rights and Grampian Pride. Just ensure it has NO bad language on it and it does not offend others, slander anyone else or go against Grampian Pride’s beliefs.

17. What is allowed in the parade? Have fun! Costumes, music, flags, noisemakers, banners, balloons and smiles all welcome! Please no swearing, smoking, alcohol/drug consumption, nudity, offensive slogans/images, glass bottles or open flames. The streets will be lined with supporters – if your group is handing out flyers/freebies, please only give to people who want them – We have cleaners following the parade but let’s make this easy for everyone.

18.  Is there disabled access? The Parade is accessible for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. The Parade route is approximately 1 mile or 1.5km long, and the surface of Union Street may be uneven in places – but you are welcome to be part of the parade, even if you can’t join us for the whole route. If you require assistance to take part in the parade, please contact mail@grampianpride.org.

*A reminder if you are not planning on attending the village you do not need a wristband* you can cancel this ticket on Eventbrite, which will allow someone else to attend the village and enjoy the entertainment. *

VILLAGE

19.  Do I need a ticket for the Village area? Yes, although FREE, we need people to have tickets, so we can ensure your safety – Tickets will be exchanged for wristbands on arrival if you haven’t done this before the main day

20.  Why do you need my info for tickets? The info we ask for when you get your ticket is purely for research purposes and to ensure we continue to do our best by you in the future. The information will not be associated with your name and nothing will be shared with outside sources.

21. What is happening in the Village? We have lots planned for the Village area, including 7 hours of entertainment, bouncy castles, fire engines, charity engagements, freebees, Tiki tent, face painting, story time, games, and much more. for further details visit our Pride 22 page 

22.  Can we have a stall? We do have a charity tent available for FREE stalls. However, there is a limited number of spaces and a great number of charities. If you would like a stall; please register your interest by completing the online form in the Apply tab above. We will announce the charity list in April.

We are NOT offering commercial stalls. Due to limited space, we want to keep the stalls open for charities that directly support the community.

23. What is the “Kids zone”? The “kids zone” area will be fenced separately from other parts of Pride. This is because no alcohol will be allowed in this section of the village. Inside will be the bouncy castle, face painting and fun games. Adults are allowed in as this area is not a creche, so please don’t leave your children unattended at any time. 

24. Can I bring my dog? Yes! You can bring your dog, our rule is simple: we will look after you, you look after your pet. You are responsible for your pet’s wellbeing including ensuring it is comfortable with the high noise levels and thousands of people around them and of course other animals. The dog MUST be on a lead at all times and you are required to clear up after your animal if it makes a mess. You will be asked on entry to show you have doggy bags and provisions for your pet before entering the village.

25.  How do I exchange my ticket for a wristband? Once you have ordered your ticket you will be able to exchange this for a wristband at Four Pillars (33 Regent Quay) between Tuesday – Wednesday 10-6pm or Thursday – Saturday 10-8pm or if you can’t get in before Saturday 28^th May, you can exchange at Marischal Collage after the parade between 12:00 – 13:00. Or at Beach Boulevard between 12:00 – 16:00. Bands will not be given out after this time. 

26. Is there parking at Beach Boulevard? THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE VILLAGE, and there is only limited parking along the beach. There is strictly no parking in neighbour’s carparks, including: Transition Extreme, Asda, Codona’s, Beach Leisure Centre or Beach Ballroom. Anyone parking in these areas attending Grampian Pride® are liable to a fine from the owner(s). Street parking around the site is also limited with roads already closed off for Pride and resident parking so the simple answer is – leave the car at home! Disabled parking is available

27. Bag checks! For health and safety reasons, Bags may be searched upon entry to the Pride Village, and bags larger than a general size rucksack will not be allowed in. Any alcohol, illegal drugs, glass bottles or weapons will be confiscated. Please don’t bring in liquids, including bottled water, this is because the security cannot eliminate it’s possibility of being alcohol. Free water will be available onsite

28. Alcohol & Smoking. There is alcohol served on site for those over 18. But please don’t be tempted to bring your own! You will be searched upon entry and any alcohol confiscated before you will be allowed in. If you are seen with alcohol, not purchased on site, it will be confiscated, and you will be asked to leave. Codona’s are supplying the beer tent with great deals and a fast service. All other alcohol laws apply, no under 18’s will be served, and challenge 25 will be in force so if you are under 25 or lucky enough to look it please bring ID. If you are not sure, bring it anyway! If you are drunk, you will be refused service and may be asked to leave the village. Smoking is allowed onsite – please be respectful of people around you. 

29. What’s happening afterwards? LOTS! We have teamed up with our official sponsors & supporters to bring you a full weekend of fun, for more information on activities after that Village please see our Pride 22 page.