GLASGOW’S PRIDE PROCESSION PACK 2023

2021 – Largest Pride March in the United Kingdom

2022 – Largest Pride March in Scottish History

2023 – Will you be with us?

Thank you for your interest in participating in Glasgow’s Pride March 2023.

The information below is considered as vital, by the Glasgow’s Pride Organising Committee (GPOC) for safe delivery and participation in the march and any other agreed activities with Glasgow’s Pride for 2023.

Following holding the LARGEST Pride March in Scottish History we are back.

We are currently working on the final touches of the march/parade/procession, whatever you want to describe it as, at the moment to ensure the best experience possible however the key focus is on safety of everyone which will also ensure that full enjoyment can be gained in 2023.

Below are key details, essentially the need-to-know FAQ’s, which are required for organisations and groups participating in the march. Please be aware that by completing the registration form you are committing to support the march and agreeing to the terms set out below while confirming that you have the authority to do so on behalf of your organisation/group.

All groups/organisations participating will be required to identify stewards for their group. There is a minimum requirement of 1 steward for evert 10 people, or if you have a float on each side, however additional stewards may be included with one being placed in front of the Vehicles/floats. We recommend making them identifiable with Hi-viz.

2023 Theme

Following on from our successful themes in previous years of 50 years of Pride (2019), Staying connected (2020), Together as One and U=U (2021), and Bi is Beautiful (2022). For 2023, Glasgow’s Pride will celebrate an integral part of the pride movement which encompasses Marsha P Johnson an Sylvia Rivera, Lisa Power MBE, Lady Phyll, Sian James, and every Jill, including Princess Diana, of the LGBTQ+ community and movement.

The theme for Glasgow’s Pride 2023 is

Women of the LGBTQ+ Community and Movement

Registration

Only certain groups are required, these are listed below. To complete your registration, you must agree to the terms and requirements set out for participation, part of this is ensuring that all of your group are aware of the terms, requirements and expectations place on them. Once you agree to the terms, you can submit your details through the registration form, linked at the bottom of the page, where our organising team will be in touch with the information relevant to your group.

Registration is required to be made by the following groups:

Social Groups with 10 or more people.

Commercial organisations, of any size

Any group with a Floats, more commonly known as vehicles

Anyone displaying banners or placards.

Who doesn’t need to register:

Individuals

Small groups of 9 or less without banners

Safety and Conduct – FAQ’s

All participants must follow the guidance and requests by the GPOC, other event stewards or police who are trained to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the march/parade for all.

This will be a continual march with no stopping however Emergency Vehicles will be given right of way as we are using public roads.

The GPOC are working closely with a multi-agency team to ensure the success and safety of this procession for everyone. This team includes Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland, medical providers and more.

Glasgow’s Pride fully recognise the Pride was born out of protest and encourage political participation however those that abuse, disparage or insult the work of the LGBT Co-op, Mardi Gla or any other participant will be withdrawn or removed from procession. We would also like to ensure that participants are aware of the following points to ensure positive and successful delivery of the procession.

What time does it start? What time to I need to be there?

Groups will be given an arrival time slot where your Specific Point of Contact (SPOC) must check in for your group and safety get arranged in position confirming to social distancing requirements.

What is the route?

The route will be published at the earliest convenience of the GPOC however the route is always subject to change until it is complete and may be redirected by Police Scotland or Glasgow City Council.

The GPOC always work to ensure that the route is accessible with no obstructions.

Can we play music and chant?

Yes however there are certain points in the route that Glasgow City Council may order that no music should be played and these will be identified prior to the procession.

What should I wear?

The GPOC like to wear and see bright, vibrant colour which highlight the colours of the rainbow however we are in Glasgow but it is the Fair weekend so dress appropriately

Please be aware that no nudity is permitted, nor flashing or exposure of areas of the body which are normally covered when out and about in public. He events are attended by many families and young people. The minimum should be swimwear appropriate

Can I drink?

Yes, please ensure that you stay well hydrated during the activities.

Be Aware – No alcohol or drugs to be consumed whilst participating in the community parade. No alcohol should be carried in or on any float, or by walking participants. No participant should be under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. This is a reminder that it is against Glasgow City by-laws to have opened containers of alcohol or to consume alcohol in the street.

Participants must always follow the guidance of your section leader, if you have any concerns of issues, these can be directed to the section leader.

Participants, including the entire group/vehicle, that break any of the conditions above may be asked to leave the procession at any time.

Walking Groups – FAQ’s

Arrival time

All members of the march/parade group must arrive at the start point in their allocated time window provided, with their SPoC confirming their attendance.

If walking with a Vehicles/floats, the Vehicles/floats may be given an earlier time to arrive at the start point.

Age Limitations

Registered participants of the procession with children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them for the duration of their time at the event. With this, the group must have a robust safeguarding policy and procedure in place, which may be requested prior to participation.

Participants’ Requirements

• Parade participants must not be drunk or under the influence of drugs.
• Anyone seen taking illegal drugs will be reported to the police.
• Glass bottles or drinking glasses must not be brought into the form up area or parade.
• In terms of clothing, the minimum amount deemed acceptable is equivalent to standard swimwear
• No obscenities or offensive material can be presented in the Parade. If you think it could offend or not sure, don’t do it.

Floats and Vehicles – FAQ’s

All floats must meet the same requirements as identified for Walking Groups however they must also meet the following requirements.

• Mounting and dismounting from a moving Vehicle/float is not permitted, except in an safety emergency as communicated by the procession management tea
• Participants who are part of a group with a Vehicle/float but are not on it, other than the stewards, must follow behind the Vehicle/float, and not pass down the sides or move in front of the Vehicles/floats.

You must provide the vehicles registration plate by Friday the 30th of June 2023 so that this can be registered with Glasgow City Council to prevent any penalty notices being issued. If you do not provide this detail prior then you may be liable for the penalty notices issues as the march will travel through traffic restricted areas.

Registering organisations will be responsible for the safety and security of the event all vehicles must be:

• Legally roadworthy (hold a valid MOT certficate)
• Insured
• Taxed

It is advised that the following details are collected by the registering organisation:

• The name of the driver/Company which is providing the vehicle.
• The vehicle’s registration, make and model
• The driver’s driving licence number, if available.

The vehicle/float will be checked on the day in the form up area for basic health and safety adherence.

Do we need anything on our vehicle/float?

If you decorate your vehicle/float, please ensure the following is met. If you have any concerns, please contact marchreg@mardigla.org

• Any generators must be diesel or battery powered.
• Electrical items must be PAT tested and certified.
• CO2 or powder fire extinguishers need to be located on your vehicle/float.
• All materials used on or attached to a float or vehicle must be fireproofed.
• Decorations must be firmly fixed to the float so that they won’t slip, move, or fall during the Parade.
• Nothing must protrude from the side of the float..

 Freebies

We have a budget/branded swag, can we give items away to promote our brand/organisation?

Yes, the procession is a great opportunity for groups and organisations to increase their awareness within the local community on their values of equality and the campaigns in which they are supporting. The organising committee promote this however ask that all legislative requirements are followed including, but not limited to, full ingredient listings on any foodstuffs, no distribution of open containers and that items are handed out,

Please be aware there should be no throwing or tossing of items from floats or vehicles!

We want confetti cannons, can we have them?

Confetti Cannon are a great spectacle however they can make a lot of mess.
We ask that you do not create litter during the procession and any confetti which you set off is of the biodegradable variety.

Please also keep any rubbish with you, take actions to clear it appropriately through the procession and dispose appropriately at the conclusion of the procession.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you,
 please click below to register!

 Does it cost to participate in the March?

We always have and always will strongly support the idea that cost should never be a barrier to Pride and by having the charges below it allows members of the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy and participate in the march and any associated events  ensuring that pride remains accessible for all.

There are however costs in organising larger scale events including marches/parades/processions and although these may seem minimal, we do not receive any public or government funding for running these events. By charging larger and commercial organisations with a budget capacity, it allows us to generate additional income to offer additional activities, ensure ongoing delivery for future years and create support for those impacted by challenges when needed and available.

Safety is our number one priority and we will work closely with all partner agencies to ensure that the right decisions are made to have the best march while remaining safe and enjoyable.

By submitting a registration form you are also agreeing to the terms and costs above. The organising committee confirm that we will provide updates through our social media channels and mardigla.org.