Pride set to light up Oban: Full line up of events

The festival starts off on Friday August 30 with Oban Pride Unplugged at the Corran Halls’ Studio Theatre from 7.30pm with music by Transatlantic Line, River Martin and Theo. Entry is by donation.

Community Samba band Obanda will be leading the colourful as ever Pride march on the Saturday, meeting up in Station Square from 11.45am ready to depart at 12.30pm.

Pride Marches began in 1970 following the Stonewall riots of 1969 which many say was the start of the modern-day Pride movement. 

"In past years when we have been having Oban Pride and our Pride Marches we could not have been more pleased with how peaceful the day was, unlike the Stonewall Riots where people were beaten and arrested for being LGBTQ+, we had a peaceful day full of love and respect.

"Unfortunately not everyone who is LGBTQ+ has the same experience of love and respect that we felt in
previous years throughout Oban Pride and this is why we still need Pride and Pride is still relevant today.

"In our own country we are still fighting for a complete ban on conversion therapy practices, as well as fighting for Trans and Non-Binary people to have total equality as well. Pride started as a protest and the heart of it has
not changed, Pride is still a protest, however we are lucky enough to have moved forward with LGBTQ+ rights
meaning that Pride now is also a celebration of how far our rights have come as well as being a celebration of
being able to be who we are," said Oban Pride chairperson Phill Dexter.

Activities after the Pride march will be based at the Corran Halls with the event’s Youth Zone, Family Games Area, Community Stall Village and Rainbow Stage.

The Community Stall Village will sees over 20 organisations, charities and businesses share information on how they support the LGBTQ+ community. There will also be stalls selling Pride merchandise, arts and lots more.

Oban Pride’s Rainbow Stage will run from 1pm at the Corran Halls, and be hosted by Dr Bev who is
making her Scottish debut at Oban Pride 2024. There will also be performances by Crystal, Spotlight
Musical Theatre Group Adults and Juniors, Dorian T Fisk and Michael T Ogilvie. These daytime activities
are open to all ages and free to attend with donations to Oban Pride welcome.

"As 2024 is our fifth anniversary we decided to celebrate in style with our fifth Anniversary Ball. This will
take place from 7.30pm on August 31 at the Corran Halls. Our 5th Anniversary Ball invites everyone who is 18 plus to join us for a fabulous evening. We invite attendees to dress to impress and let their true selves sparkle. The Ball is once again hosted by Dr Bev and will see performances by Dorian T Fisk, Crystal, Spotlight Musical Theatre Group and The Future is Queer," said Phill.