INFORMATION & Staying safe at Basildon Pride Festival
We aim for Basildon Pride Festival to be a safe environment for the LGBT+ community and allies.
The Basildon Pride Festival is a safe space to be who you want to be with security, police presence and first aid.
Here’s our guide to staying safe at pride.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes, we’re proud that the Basildon Pride Festival is a free entry event.
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No, as Basildon Pride Festival is free entry, there’s no need for tickets. Just turn up and have fun!
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Due to upcoming government legislation, we are introducing bag searches at our entrances for the increased safety of all those attending. Please be aware, you will be refused entry if you attempt to bring any prohibited items with you into the festival site.
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The parade takes place from the old Toys ‘R’ Us building in Basildon Town Centre, and walks all the way to our festival site at Basildon Sporting Village.
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Yes, everyone is welcome to march in our parade. However we require all participants to be at the starting point no later than 10:15am.
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It’s only a 30 minute walk from Basildon Town Centre, or you can hop on the free Pride Shuttle Bus operated by First Bus from Basildon Bus Station. Alternatively, you can drive but spaces are limited!
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We love seeing well-behaved dogs rocking pride flags at the festival, just remember to be careful of their wellbeing especially if it’s hot outside.
Bring plenty of fresh water and poo bags with you.
Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
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Most of our vendors accept card payments, it is advised that you bring some cash with you if you wish to purchase food, merchandise and funfair rides. There are no cash machines on site.
The nearest cash machines are located in Basildon Town Centre or at ASDA on the Pipps Hill Retail Park, opposite the festival site.
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The drinks bars only accepts debit or credit card payments.
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We highly recommend bringing essential items with you including:
Refillable water bottle (water stations are available on site)
Sun lotion
Waterproof jacket
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser
Cash (card payments can’t be guaranteed)
A Credit or Debit Card (the bar only accepts card payments)
Any essential medications
Things you may want to bring:
Picnic blankets, camping chairs, hats, warmer clothes for the evening
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Here’s a list of items that are prohibited at Basildon Pride Festival:
No outside alcohol is permitted inside the festival site. Alcoholic beverages are available from the licensed bar on-site.
No glass bottles or containers
No items which may reasonably be considered for use as a weapon
No fireworks or flares
No illicit substances or drugs
If seen with any of these items, you will not be admitted entry to the festival site, they may be confiscated and you may be ejected from the festival site.
Basildon Pride Festival operates a bag search policy at all entrances.
Prohibited items
Here’s a list of items that you cannot bring to Basildon Pride Festival:
No outside alcohol is permitted inside the festival site. Alcoholic beverages are available from the licensed bars on-site.
No glass bottles or containers
No items which may reasonably be considered for use as a weapon
No fireworks or flares
No illicit substances or drugs
No BBQs
If seen with any of these items, you will not be admitted entry to the festival site, they may be confiscated and you may be ejected from the festival site.
Basildon Pride Festival operates a bag search policy at all entrances.
Standards of dress
We want everyone to feel free to express themselves you will need to comply with our standard of dress, the following is strictly prohibited:
Nudity of any kind (including toplessness).
Clothing with offensive or explicit wording or graphics.
Security and safety
We work with contracted security agents and Essex Police to monitor the parade and festival site for your safety and security. Please fully cooperate with our security agents or Essex Police officers as they carry out safety checks of the venue, this includes bag searches at all entrances.
If you have a security or safety concern, see suspicious or threatening behaviour please alert one of our security agents, a police officer or a Basildon Pride Volunteer (you’ll be able to spot them in hi-visibility jackets).
We recommend meeting with friends when travelling to and from the Basildon Pride Festival. Avoid traveling on your own, especially at night.
Medical help
We have first-aiders and medical staff on-site to help with medical needs. Please consult the map for the exact location or ask a Basildon Pride Volunteer.
Sexual health
If romance blossoms whilst at the festival or afterparty, be prepared and always practise safe sex and use contraception. You’ll be able to pick up condoms from sexual health organisations in the marketplace area.