The Victoria Pride Society is planning a comeback from two years of virtual events with major in-person festivities this summer.
That includes the Victoria Pride Festival, scheduled for June 23 to July 2, and the Victoria Pride Parade — complete with a new route — set for June 26.
Victoria Pride Society executive director Deirdre Rowland said the usual parade route down Government Street isn’t available because of the work the city is doing on a large portion of it.
“They’re doing that beautiful outdoor-patio scene, all of the tables,” she said.
Instead, parade participants will gather off Harbour Road and set out over the Johnson Street Bridge.
“We’re turning right onto Wharf Street and we’ll have those beautiful water views,” Rowland said. “It’s just going to be a very different look for the parade.”
From Wharf, the parade will turn right on Government Street, right on Belleville Street and left on Menzies Street. After dispersing, parade-goers can head to MacDonald Park in James Bay for festival activities.
“We’re very much looking forward to this return to in-person Pride for the first time in two years,” Rowland said. “We’re really proud that Pride is back in Victoria and we are again centring on marginalized voices and artists in our community, and always emphasizing inclusion, diversity and equity.”
Applications for parade participation or to be a festival vendor can be made at victoriapridesociety.org.
Up to 140 entries and 40,000 spectators are expected.
