Published: Thursday, 22nd June 2017

Out in the Streets takes place on 25 June as part of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival.

The Royal Borough's specially commissioned Pride event, 'Out in the Streets', is taking to a traffic-free Greenwich Town Centre in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales.

The event is a packed, family-friendly programme of free outdoor performance, art, music and participation from noon to 7pm.

What's on

Festival-goers can share memories of London's lost gay pubs with Ida Barr, submit to the planet's most outlandish hairstylists with Osadia or write a message on a colourful love lock that will form a stunning Pride rainbow on the gates of the Old Royal Naval College, which will then be ceremonially opened by Sir Ian McKellen at 5pm.

There will also be a new dance duet inspired by Jonathan Harvey's legendary play 'Beautiful Thing' together with the London Gay Big Band providing the playlist for some uplifting dancing in the streets.

METRO Charity

The METRO Charity, which provides local services to anyone experiencing issues around sexuality, gender, equality, diversity or identity, is also hosting a series of Pride events in the local area.

These include their Summer of Love activity at Out in the Streets, steel pan workshops - anyone who goes along and gets a taste for the steel pans can join METRO when it marches at Pride in London! METRO also have their Pride Boat delivering the people of Greenwich to Pride in London on parade day.

'Celebrate our strong and diverse community'

Cllr Danny Thorpe, Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: "There is a great line up of Pride events and there's sure to be a festival atmosphere in the borough. Along with the Great Get Together this Saturday, this is another chance for our community to come together after what's been a really tough period of time in London and I hope as many people as possible get out and take part in the fun to celebrate our strong and diverse community."

'Stunning array of activities'

Bradley Hemmings, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival said: "We're thrilled to have been asked to take part in Royal Greenwich's Pride programme and very proud that GDIF is celebrating this important landmark in LBGT history with such a stunning array of activities in a car-free Greenwich Town Centre."

'Come and join in the fun'

Dr Greg Ussher, METRO CEO, said: "It's more important than ever that we come together to celebrate our strong and diverse community celebrating equality and embracing difference. Our Pride events are a great way to do this and I really hope to see lots of local people from the borough come and join in the fun."