Preparations are gathering pace for this year’s Burnham-On-Sea Pride‑on‑Sea event with organisers confirming that the countdown to Pride will officially begin on Monday 7th September when St Andrew’s Church in Burnham‑On‑Sea hosts a special evening service.
The free 7pm service event is open to all and will feature readings, music, and moments of reflection to mark the start of Pride week and recognise the LGBTQIA+ community across Burnham‑On‑Sea and Highbridge.
Organisers say the service is intended to be welcoming, accessible, and a gentle way for residents to come together ahead of the main Pride day.
This year’s Pride‑on‑Sea will take place on Saturday 12th September, beginning at Highbridge Train Station where people will gather from 10.30am ready for the parade to set off at 10.50am.
As in previous years, pick‑up points at Apex Park and on The Esplanade will allow people to join the march at whichever stage is most accessible for them, whether they choose to walk the full route or meet the parade along the way.
The main event will be held at Manor Gardens, which will host a mix of stalls, live music, performers, and family‑friendly activities throughout the day. Local groups, charities, makers, and businesses will be taking part, and organisers say everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy the entertainment, bring a picnic, or browse the stalls. Food and drink vendors will be on site, and sensory‑friendly spaces will be available to support accessibility.
The event is free and unticketed, and organisers say they want Pride‑on‑Sea to remain open to all.
Pride‑on‑Sea is run entirely by volunteers, who are currently fundraising to cover essential costs including security, first aid, staging, and accessibility measures. A Crowdfunder is available here for anyone wishing to support the event, with organisers emphasising that even small donations make a meaningful difference.
A spokesperson for Pride‑on‑Sea said the event is built by local people who care deeply about creating a safe, visible space for the LGBTQIA+ community. They said the team is small and working around jobs and family life, but they understand how important it is for people to have somewhere they can show up as themselves.
Pride, they added, is not just a celebration but a reminder that inclusion matters and that the towns are stronger when everyone feels welcome. They said they are looking forward to seeing residents, families, allies, and visitors join them again this year, and that community support is what keeps Pride‑on‑Sea going.
Revd Sharon Eldergill at St Andrew’s Church says: “The rainbow is a beautiful reminder that our communities are made up of people with diverse experiences, backgrounds and stories. At St Andrew’s, we want to say clearly that everyone is welcome. Through music, readings, prayer and symbols, we will give thanks for the richness and diversity of our community and affirm that everyone is valued, loved and welcome.”
“This service is about afirming love, offering a place of belonging, and giving thanks for the wonderful diversity of God’s creation. The Rainbow Service will also be an opportunity to remember those who have faced rejection or discrimination because of who they are, and to pray for a world where everyone can live with dignity, freedom and hope.”
“Everyone is warmly invited to come along, whether you are a regular churchgoer, someone who has never been to church before, or simply want to share in this celebration of welcome and community.”
