Thursday 23 Sep 2021
Birmingham New Street prepares for Pride and passengers aplenty
- Region & Route:
- North West & Central
- | North West & Central: Central
Rail passengers are advised to prepare for a busy weekend at Birmingham New Street station as the Midlands' largest Pride festival returns.
More than 40,000 people are expected to travel into the city to enjoy events this coming Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September.
Birmingham New Street station has got into the spirit by decorating ticket gate lines, station entrance steps and signs to show its support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Network Rail is also excited to host several events in and around the station during the festival.
On the Saturday, the disabled Pride parade will pass through the station concourse*.
The ‘PRIDE BAB’ fringe event, organised by Network Rail and organisers from the LGBTQ+ community with support from Birmingham Pride, will also see community stalls, free family face painting, DJs and other performances - as well as appearances from RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Ellie Diamond and Victoria Scone, on the eastern station plaza.
Steven Ireland, head of stations at Network Rail, said: “We can’t wait to welcome passengers arriving at Birmingham Pride after a 27-month break, and we’re looking forward to celebrating in unity with the community over the weekend.
“With our place at the heart of the city, this year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together’, couldn’t be more fitting. Together across our station and the city, we want passengers to know that however you identify, you will be safe and supported using the rail network.”
Lawrence Barton, director of Birmingham Pride, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Network Rail for Birmingham Pride 2021 - celebrating this year’s theme, 'Stronger Together'. Our partnership working is vital and our relationship with Network Rail provides us with the opportunity to present and support fringe events over the Pride weekend which we consider extremely important.
“Wishing everyone who attends Birmingham Pride a very safe and happy event."
Network Rail's LGBT+ employee network Archway will also take part in the pride parade through the city on Saturday 25 September.
As the station will be busy, all passengers planning on using Birmingham New Street this weekend are advised to plan ahead and leave more time for their journeys.
Passengers can check the latest travel information at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator.
Notes to Editors
* The disabled Pride parade will also divert through Birmingham New Street station itself, with temporary diversions in place for passengers around Saturday lunchtime.
Contact information
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03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
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07740 782954
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk
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