Bourne Free
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Bourne Free is an annual celebration of all diversities that live in Bournemouth, England and the constant strive towards universal equality for all – through celebration, entertainment and awareness. Registered Charity No. 1115708.
Introduction
Bourne Free was originally set up in 2002 when a far right organisation was due to come to Bournemouth and aggressively preach how homosexuality was wrong. Many prominent figures and active members of the many gay communities in the south came together to organise a wonderful party in the Bournemouth Gardens to keep the gay communities away from the bigots and keep them together for a fun day of celebration, rather than a hostile day of violence.
By the end of the day, those who had come together just weeks before the aggressive preachers came to Bournemouth , the Bourne Free Committee felt that we could have done so much more if we had more time. The day went without a hitch, with lots of well known entertainers taking the Bournemouth Bandstand Stage supporting diversity, with a massive balloon release and two minute silence for victims of hate crime, Bournemouth's first Gay Pride March and most importantly – the determination for everyone to get back together and do it all again the next year, but this time as an official charity with official roles to organise the best celebration every year that included everyone for everyone.
Now Bourne Free has become an annual celebration in the heart of Bournemouth for everyone to see the differences in Bournemouth and the fun that can be had by all.
In 2006, the events title was change to the full "Bourne Free Pride Festival".
Bourne Free Pride Festival 2007
Bourne Free Pride Festival takes place on Saturday 14th July 2007.
The annual event, now in its 4th year, is a colourful celebration of all diversities that live in Bournemouth and the constant strive towards universal equality for all – through entertainment and awareness.
For 2007 the hugely popular Beachfront Parade and Live Show returns plus there will be a brand new Dance Arena in the evening at The Triangle, the town’s gay village.
The Beachfront Parade will travel along Bournemouth’s stunning beach promenade towards the Pier Approach and into the Lower Gardens and the Live Show will then keep the crowds entertained all afternoon at The Bandstand.
In the evening The Triangle will be transformed into an outdoor Dance Arena with live entertainment and an outdoor bar, plus all the top venues will be open into the early hours.
Bourne Free Pride Festival 2006
The 2006 Bourne Free Pride Festival was a great success with high visitor numbers and a bright sunny day.
The unique Beachfront Parade kicked off at 1pm from Alum Chine. There was a colourful celebration of equality and diversity along Bournemouth’s stunning beach promenade towards the Pier Approach and into the Lower Gardens.
The Bandstand in the Lower Gardens played host to acts all afternoon, from camp pop to hilarious drag and cabaret. There were some big stars including Chenai from The X Factor, the Intenso Project from the Ministry of Sound and The Fleurettes, winners of Drag Idol.
There was drinks and dancing in the Dance Arena at the Pier Showbar with the best DJs and plenty of refreshments on offer, also a chance to cool off from the hot south coast sun!
In the Lower Gardens there were Charity & Information Stalls and people enjoying picnics on the grass watching the live acts.
There were 2 Bourne Free after-parties - Dream Nightclub in The Triangle opened from 8pm-5am with Coco (from Fragma) and Hannah Jones live on stage and BOLTS at the Pier Showbar with a special beachwear party.