Hastings Pride 2023 – Start to Finish
ROD WEBB
Like Brighton, Pride month in Hastings is the whole of August. And Cumbia Kitchen in St Leonards kicked it off in style – a few days early on Sunday 30 July – with a Grande Drag Brunch. And this was at 10.30 in the morning when most customers would normally be coming to have a quiet coffee and read the Sunday papers.
Instead, the café was crammed with people sipping prosecco and mango mimosas and eating a South American brunch while watching Paris Grande strut her stuff. And what stuff! The energy and acrobatics in such a small space was something extraordinary – and of course others joined in as the morning wore on.
Asked why she hosted the brunch, Jackie Turner, the owner, says it was Paris Grande who approached her to do it. But it was also for her staff who are 50% LGBTQI. She says: “It was great to see everybody enjoying themselves.” One long-time staff member, Robbie, from pre Cumbia Kitchen days, says that rather than getting paid to work that day, she’d have been happy to pay for the privilege. “The whole thing was just fantastic!” she said.
It was the same enthusiastic feedback from those attending the event – including two walk-ins who just came for a quiet coffee: “When’s the next one?” was the general response.
Well the next Pride event is on Bank Holiday Sunday, rounding off Pride Month at the Oval on Bohemia Road. The theme for this year has been inspired by their Special Guests D:Ream as the community celebrates ‘Love and Hope as we all Gather Under the Rainbow Umbrella’.
You can find full information on the event in the free Hastings Pride programme, available in shops and bars in Hastings and Rother as well as on Stagecoach buses. Or check out the website HastingsPride.org.uk.
As well as a full programme of music throughout the afternoon and evening, Marsh Vintage Fairground will bring the fun of the fair, there will be plenty of food outlets and the Community Arts Tent will be hosting burlesque.
Lots to do and enjoy. Just make sure you behave yourself.
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