Dorset housebuilder Barratt Homes is the main stage sponsor for the second year running at one of the county’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals.

Bournemouth Pride, a two-day annual event organised by Dorset charity Bourne Free, will take place on July 7-8 in Meyrick Park and is a chance to celebrate and promote equality for the LGBTQ+ community.

Committed to supporting equality and diversity among its own workforce and in the community, Barratt Homes will be supporting Bournemouth Pride with a sponsorship package worth £5,000.

Anthony Dimmick, Barratt Homes Community Liaison Officer, said: “After sponsoring Bourne Free’s spectacular Pride event last year, we were very keen to do the same in 2023.

“Barratt supports equality within its workforce and has recently adopted a Diversity and Inclusion programme, which means it can regularly assess the way it works and continue to provide a workplace where all its employees can feel comfortable to be themselves.

“It is a pleasure to be able to show our support for this community event in Bournemouth for the second year running.”

Christopher Ashton-Hollis, Chair of Bourne Free, is thrilled that the developer is sponsoring this summer’s event.

He said: “It was fantastic to have Barratt’s support for our annual Pride event last year and I’m delighted to hear about its 2023 sponsorship.

“Without the support of our sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to put on such a large-scale event to celebrate and promote equality for the LGBTQ+ community here in Bournemouth.

“We’re hugely grateful.

“The money will help provide the main stage’s entertainment for the thousands of people attending Pride in July.”