Together, we can – that’s what the New West Pride Street Festival this year is all about.
The annual street festival is returning this Saturday with rainbows, music, food trucks, beer and entertainment from 3 to 8 p.m. along Columbia Street. There will be three stages with acts from local performers, as well as a kids zone and other activities all ages will enjoy. Organizers are expecting anywhere from 26,000 to 28,000 people, depending on the weather.
Kurt Knoblick, vice-president of the New West Pride Society, says what he likes most about the street festival – and New West Pride Week – is that it is family-friendly.
“When you go to Sunset Beach and Vancouver Pride festival, it’s all gay, all the time. That’s fabulous, and that’s great,” he told the Record. “But I think there’s a lot of people in New West who aren’t (like that).”
What makes this special, he says, is the mix of bold, loud entertainment – like some of the musical acts and performances – with quieter events, like the spoken-word performers and activities for kids.
“It’s not going to be vulgar. You’re not going to see a bunch of nudity, you’re not going to see any of that stuff. You’re just going to enjoy yourself,” he said. “You can bring your stroller. You can bring your kids, and it’s easy to get around.
“You’re not going to be shocked, but you’re going to be pleasantly surprised at the entertainment that we have picked.”
But that doesn’t mean it’s not going to be bright and colourful and fun. New this year is a wrestling match by Royal City Wrestling.
It’s the “hottest thing going on,” said Knoblick, adding that it’s “very New West, very organic.”
There will be two performances in a ring in front of the Columbia Theatre. The first will run from 4 to 5 p.m., with a second show closing off Pride from 7 to 8 p.m.
Rish Koya, who is hosting the match as Mr. India, says he’s excited to support Pride with the free show.
“I love Pride. They do a great job, and it gives us a great opportunity to get out there,” he said.
About the performance, he says it’s something everyone can enjoy.
“We’re a little over-the-top. It’s a little crazy, it’s something you don’t see every day, when you see a bunch of guys dressed up in tights doing these crazy athletic things,” he said. “They can expect to see a lot of action, a lot of intrigue, and really just expect the unexpected.”
Because of the size of the event, people looking for louder, more vibrant entertainment have a space to celebrate, as do those looking for something quieter, such as with the spoken-word performances.
There will also be five extended patios where people can sit and have a beer while listening to music.
“It’s basically a street party where you can come and eat. You’re going to have food trucks, you can see some performances, you can get your picture taken with these gloriously gay air-dancers, and tweet that all over the world, and have a beer with your friends,” said Knoblick.
With Pride events happening in New West all week, Knoblick said he’s glad to see the larger community coming together to support the LGBTQ2+ community in the city.
“I just think it’s cool that they step up,” he said. “When you think of all the things you could stand behind, why is this something they stand behind, and they just do. I think that’s really incredible.”
Visit newwestpride.ca.
