Parade - Guidelines

We have made the decision to introduce the guidelines this year to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time during the parade march. As an organisation we have a duty to ensure the safety of all participants and the public during the event, these guidelines help us to minimise the risk to yourselves, other groups/members and the public during the march. 
 
Below are the guidelines that all participants in the parade must adhere to while marching as part of Hastings Pride.
  • Pro-LGBTQIA+ Focus: Any groups in the parade should be able to show evidence of having pro-LGBTQIA+ policies and support the LGBTQIA+ community year-round if requested.
 
  • Messaging: Any floats or banners must include messaging in support of LGBTQIA+ rights. The parade is a protest march in celebration and support of pro-LGBTQIA+ rights; it is not a platform to advertise your own services and should be used to support and promote change for the benefit of the LGBTQIA+ community. 
 
  • Flags and International Symbols: Because LGBTQIA+ issues transcend international boundaries and our focus remains entirely on global liberation and solidarity for our community, national flags are not permitted within the parade. We actively welcome and encourage all variations of Pride flags and LGBTQIA+ solidarity banners. This is a decision to ensure the safety and security of all participants, spectators and the team while ensuring that we actively promote the rights and equalities of the LGBTQIA+ community. Banners are permitted providing they meet the guidelines.

  • Conduct and Language: Banners or floats containing slurs or defamatory messages against other participants within the parade are strictly forbidden. Family-Friendly Environment: Music, singing, and dancing are actively encouraged to make the parade as bright and attractive as possible. However, please ensure tracks, clothing, and visuals are suitable for audiences of all ages. 

  • Distribution of Items: No objects can be given to spectators or other parade participants in the parade staging area or during the parade route without prior permission from marshals. 

  • Receiving Items: No parade participants can accept anything from spectators (including donations, unless you are an official Hastings Pride donation collector). 

  • Parade Flow and Spacing: All participants are required to maintain a continuous forward motion during the parade. No stopping unless directed otherwise. All performances must be “on the move”. No large gaps between parade units of more than 3 metres. Please aim to keep a small, sensible gap between groups wherever possible (in both the parade staging area and on the parade route, especially where vehicles are involved). 

  • Vehicles: Vehicles must be driven by a fully insured, licensed driver and must adhere to a sensible speed while moving with the parade. 

  • Group Accountability: All parade groups (except ‘Independent Participants’) have assigned group organisers who have ultimate responsibility for your group. You should be aware of who this is. This is usually the named person signing up to join the parade; if you need to nominate another named party, please let us know at parade@hastingspride.org.uk. 

  • Independent Participants: Attendees of the ‘Independent Participants’ section of the parade should not display any branding to advertise businesses or organisations without prior permission. Only those who are registered may walk in the parade. No one is to be pulled in from the crowds to join.  

  • Safety and Order: Parade marshals and Pride officials are there for everyone’s safety, and their instructions must be followed. Each group is expected to stay in order. Any group that tries to overtake another group will be removed from the parade.

Additional guidelines for political parties wishing to join the parade

Given the current climate with political statements and support for anti LGBTQIA+ policies especially around policies/legal standing relating to our trans community the following additional guidelines must be demonstrated by political parties wishing to take part in the Hastings Pride event.

  • Political parties must be able to show evidence of pro LGBTQIA+ party policies year round
  • Political Parties must be able to show public support for the LGBTQIA+ community year round
  • Political Parties must be able to demonstrate support for LGBTQIA+ diversity and inclusion within their parties manifesto

You are signing this agreement as a representative of the group you have submitted an application to join Hastings Pride parade.

By agreeing to the guidelines within this document you are entering into a binding contract of agreement that your group, party and/or self as an individual must follow to ensure everyone’s safety and security.

You understand by signing that if any party fails to adhere to the guidelines set out above that your entire group may be removed from the Hastings Pride parade and may potentially be unable to sign up in future years.

The management decision from Hastings Pride regarding removal or acceptance to join the Hastings Pride parade is final.