Chester Pride announces bigger and better Youth Pride offering with up-and-coming LGBTQ+ authors providing readings, book signing and storytelling sessions #Blog

Victoria Hayes
14th August 2024

• Youth Pride 2024 is free to enter and sees readings and signings with up-and-coming LGBTQ+ authors, thanks to headliners Bear Hunt Books.
• Storytelling sessions will be held throughout the afternoon for kids aged 5 to late teens and above, alongside live art with local artists, outdoor games, face painting, arts and crafts with ArtBus Chester, soft play and a children’s silent disco. Plus, exhibitions from local LGBTQ+ groups, charities and organisations.
• Bank of America has partnered with Chester Pride and Coleg Cambria is sponsoring the activity, which takes place on 17 August, 1-5pm at Chester Castle.

Chester Pride are delighted to announce their Youth Pride offering is set to be even bigger and better for the 2024 event. Partnering with Bank of America and sponsored by Coleg Cambria, the event takes place on Saturday 17 August, 1-5pm at Chester Castle, Lower Car Park. It is free entry with a whole host of family friendly activities.

The headliner for Youth Pride is Bear Hunt Books, who are hosting author readings and signings throughout the afternoon with popular, up-and-coming LGBTQ+ authors.

Appearing will be Lisa Satchell-Foley, author of “The Girl in the Dicky Bow” – her debut children’s picture book from the ‘It rocks to be you’ collection.  Also joining the line-up is trans influencer, filmmaker and illustrator, Lewis Hancox, who took the scene by storm with their ground-breaking memoir about being a trans teen, “Welcome to St.Hell, My Trans Teen Misadventure.” Finally, will be Anna Zoe Quirk, author of “Something To Be Proud Of”, a sparkling debut about friendship, solidarity and the joy and heartache of queer teen hood. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear authors read extracts from their books and purchase copies to be signed by the authors. Alongside this, children’s storytelling sessions will be held throughout the afternoon.

Rachael Roberts, Youth Engagement Officer for Chester Pride, said “We are so excited for the line-up of Youth Pride this year. This arm of Chester Pride has been quietly growing over the years and this year is really set to make some noise. As an LGBTQ+ parent myself, I felt like there just isn’t anything out there for me, so I decided to do something about it. We’ve really tried to make sure there is a little something for everyone. Everyone is welcome, come as you are.”

Iwona Szmidt, Managing Director, Site Lead for Chester at Bank of America, said “We are delighted to once again be supporting Chester Pride celebrations. This year’s Youth Pride event builds on the success of previous years and is an excellent opportunity for young people to enjoy and engage in the festivities, we look forward to seeing you there!”

Alongside the author readings, visitors can expect to find an independents’ marketplace, live art with local artists, outdoor games, face painting, arts & crafts with ArtBus Chester, soft play and a children’s silent disco – and lots more! There will be food & drink offering with a strict no alcohol policy in the Youth Pride zone. Plus, exhibitions from local LGBTQ+ groups, charities and organisations.

Tickets are still available for the main event on Castle Square. No ticket purchase is required for the Youth Pride Zone, keep up to date with the line up as it unfolds on chesterpride.co.uk and their social channels.