MP25 Parade Registration

Medway Pride 25 Parade

Pride parades are an iconic historic part of any pride festival. It is a chance to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community in a fabulous display of love colour and fun.

Medway Pride 25 parade will follow its usual route along Rochester High Street and into Rochester Castle Gardens where the pride festival will be held.

Tickets for the festival, details will be announced at the beginning of July for those wishing to attend the pride festival.

PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO THE MEDWAY PRIDE FUND 

Your donation will help us to keep producing our pride events and deliver our services.

Medway Pride 25 is an LGBTQIA+ community festival with entertainment, music, local, national, internationally recognised acts.

We are inviting community organisations and groups to register to take part in Medway Pride 25 Parade on Saturday 16^th August at 10am.

Tickets to enter the pride parade give guaranteed entry to the festival event so you only need a ticket to enter the parade.

This invite includes constituted voluntary organisations, including support groups and charities working with LGBTQIA+ community who wish to join the pride parade as a group. It also includes Business LGBTQIA+ staff groups, LGBTQIA+ Sports, and Clubs, University, Collage school and student groups,

Businesses wishing to join the parade and support Medway Pride 25 can apply to become a sponsor partner or supporter which can include tickets to join the pride parade and attend the Rochester Castle Festival.

Medway Pride 25 Sponsors are guaranteed a place in the parade

The form should be completed by the Group Organiser as we will be contacting the Group Organisers listed with details for joining the parade.

Please read all the information below,

The information below is important

By registering for a Parade ticket you accept all the conditions listed below.

Event Itinerary

Rochester Castle Gardens will open to the public from 10:30am

Pride Parade Rochester High Street will commence at approximately 10:45am

Rochester Castle Stage opens 12:00pm

There is a limited number of tickets available for people to join the parade so we may need to limit the number of tickets for each registered group

Parade groups will need to arrive outside Rochester Library, Eastgate House from 9.30am to 10am to be available to joint the parade as directed by the parade marshal.

Those registered for the parade will be allocated a ticket that allows them to attend the Pride Festival in Rochester Castle Gardens valid from 12pm to 8pm Saturday 16^th August

Register for Parade HERE

Entrance Criteria for All Participants

Our Code of Conduct makes sure everyone understands their responsibilities and is aware of what is and isn’t acceptable at Medway Pride. We ask that all attendees abide by the outlined rules; it helps us keep the event a safe space for everyone. By attending the event in any capacity, you have already accepted to follow this Code of Conduct.

Changes may be made to this Code of Conduct prior to the event. It is your responsibility to check.

Permitted / What to Bring

You can bring the following items to Medway Pride.

Wallet with cash/card & government approved ID

Factory Sealed Water Bottles, Empty Reusable Water Bottles (No Glass allowed in Rochester Castle Gardens)

Blankets to sit on

Fully charged phone and battery pack (tag us on socials with @PrideMedway #MedwayPride25)

Cameras – Only take images for personal use, 

Sunscreen

Flags, banners or handmade signs (no hard poles, no corporate/company branding unless a sponsor, and no signs promoting illegal activity or hate speech)

Small bags, backpacks or purses (these will be searched upon entry)

Rain ponchos in case of rain

Your best pride outfit!

Read the Code of Conduct in advance

Not Permitted

Please do not bring anything on this list to Medway Pride as it will be confiscated by security at the entrance. We have no safe storage at the event, if you have items that are not allowed and hand them to security, we cannot guarantee their safe return. Please do not risk items being lost

Any item which may reasonably be considered for use as a weapon (incl. pen knives and metal cutlery)

Any alcohol, (There will be bars available on site, our licensing means we need to control the use of alcohol at the event)

Stickers, flyers, or advertising material,

Fireworks, flares, smoke canisters, Chinese lanterns, laser equipment/pens, toy guns, water guns, slingshots

Illegal substances (incl. laughing gas/balloons)

Glass (of any kind)

Personal motorised vehicles or drones (except a mobility scooter)

Klaxons, air horns, megaphones, portable speakers (or other similar items capable of making loud noise)

Anything else not permitted by the Code of Conduct below

Code of Conduct for All Participants

Medway Pride is a celebration of diversity and equality, and all attendees are expected to embrace and respect this diversity and equality.

You are required to have read, understood and agreed to this Code of Conduct before attending the event in any capacity. If you do not agree to this Code of Conduct, you must not attend the event. Any questions should be directed to Medway Pride CIC.

We will not tolerate any threatening, violent or offensive behaviour against our volunteers, staff, other attendees, police, security personnel, or members of the public.

We will not tolerate any individual or group making derogatory remarks about a person’s sexuality, gender identity, race, age, nationality, disability, appearance, religion, political belief or any other factor. Anyone who displays behaviour that contravenes this rule can expect to be removed from the event immediately.

Any individual infringing the bodily integrity of other participants will be immediately removed from the event. (If you are in a parade group, your group may also be removed from the parade).

There are clear legal guidelines regarding alcohol, drugs, public nudity, etc, which participants are expected to abide by. Laws must always be obeyed. Please remember, this is a family friendly event.

Hand sanitizer in the original packaging with intact manufacture labelling is permitted.

No objects are to be thrown at attendees (including at parade spectators on the parade route). This includes the use of silly string, party poppers and water pistols.

You are not permitted to play amplified music without prior written permission.

Every participant is responsible for their own litter. Littering is prohibited by law. There will be opportunities to dispose of litter at the festival site. Please use the bins provided.

If you see or are notified of any incident that would break this Code of Conduct or the law, please notify the Medway Pride 25 Security team immediately. Anyone found to have failed to report any incidents may face being removed from the parade and refusal into the main event.

We (Medway Pride CIC and the security team) reserve the right to refuse entry, or remove anyone, who does not follow this Code of Conduct or behaves inappropriately (see Consequences of Failing to abide by the Code of Conduct below).

Additional Criteria for Parade Attendees

In addition to the above general Code of Conduct, the following points will also apply to you as a parade attendee.

SEE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARADE

No objects can be given to spectators or other parade participants in the parade staging area or during the parade route, without prior permission.

No parade participants can accept anything from spectators.

No alcohol or drugs are to be consumed or carried in the Parade or Staging Area or during the parade.

Sealed (unbroken seal from manufacture) water bottle is permitted and encouraged.

All participants are required to maintain a continuous forward motion during the parade. No stopping unless we direct you otherwise at stopping points. All performances must be “on the move” except for any stops agreed and directed by the Parade Marshal. No large gaps between parade units of more than 3 metres. Please aim to keep a small sensible gap between groups wherever possible (in both the parade staging area and on the parade route).

All parade groups, except the ‘Community Section’, have assigned group organisers who have ultimate responsibility for your group, and you should be aware of who this is.

Participants of the ‘Community Section’ of the parade should not display any branding to advertise businesses or organisations, without prior permission.

We reserve the right to refuse participation of any individual or group that has entered under a false name or given false information. If you need to make any changes to your application, please contact us urgently.

Only those who are registered parade ticket holders may walk in the parade with either their Parade Group Organisers or Community Section. No one is to be pulled in from the crowds to join.

Additional Criteria for Stall Holders

In addition to the above general Code of Conduct, the following points will also apply to you if you are a stall holder.

Stall set-up is permitted between 08:00 and 09:45. Late entry is not permitted under any circumstances. Early entry can be agreed in advance if required.

Stall shutdown is not permitted before 19:30.

We strongly discourage leaving the site before 20:00.

Vehicles are not permitted on-site until earliest 20.30.

There is no parking on-site. Vehicles may not remain on-site during the event. Exceptions to this are only with explicit permission from Medway Pride CIC with an associated pass. Refer to Additional Criteria for All Vehicles.

Gazebos/marquees/Tables are not provided by Medway Pride CIC and must be securly fixed to the ground..

Your stall is not confirmed until your donation/ payment has been received and Medway Pride CIC have approved your application.

No products in glass bottles may be sold.

Any and all traders are required to use more sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

The following are examples; but not a definitive list:

The single-use plastics that make their way into the environment most frequently are:

Cigarette butts

Plastic drinking bottles

Plastic bottle caps

Food wrappers

Plastic grocery bags

Plastic lids

take-away containers

Plastic straws and stirrers

Plastic bags

Are you ready to make some changes to your plastic consumption? Here are some easy solutions:

Replace shopping bags with reusable bags

Use your own coffee mugs and sustainable, non-plastic alternatives

Don’t use non-recyclable plastic bottles and straws – use reusable alternatives

Recycle everything that you can

Medway Pride CIC is a responsible organisation. If it is essential that you use single-use plastic for food safety purposes, please discuss this with your Medway Pride Stall Liaison for permission.

A stall position will be pre-allocated to you at time of booking. This can be discussed with your Medway Pride Stall Liaison if you have a preferred location. Once this location has been allocated, it must be adhered to and cannot be changed on event-day.

Entry for vehicles is via. Boley Hill to Castle Hill, ME1 1SW. There will be a member of staff waiting to escort you to your position. Please wait patiently outside the Castle Row entrance as we anticipate a large number of vehicles. Please ensure you know where this location is in advance, and contact your Account Liaison if this is unclear.

If you need to make any changes to your application, please contact us urgently.

on submitting your application, please enclose a copy of your Public Liability Insurance. These can be obtained online. By purchasing a pitch, you agree to our terms & conditions and agree to abide by our Health and Safety. A copy of our risk assessment will be submitted upon receiving your form. These are subject to change

Upon dismantling your stall, please ensure that you keep the area clean and tidy. Bins will be provided around the site. If a member of staff is required to clean your site then a cleansing charge will apply.

As per previous events, the site will be secured and all those attending must be searched. If you need to go off-site during the day, entry will only be through pre-agreed positions on the site. This is mandatory and any non-compliance will result in the forfeiture of your pitch and no refunds will be made.

Additional Criteria for Parade Group Organisers

In addition to the above general Code of Conduct and Additional Criteria for Parade Attendees, the following points will also apply to you as the group organiser for your parade group.

As a group organiser, you have accepted responsibility on behalf of the entire group and are responsible for behaviour within your group.

The Code of Conduct applies equally to everyone in your group.

Please ensure your group is keeping the orderly flow of the parade. All groups are expected to follow the parade route according to their allocated position in the parade. Each group is expected to stay in order. Any group who tries to overtake another group will be removed from the parade.

If anyone in your group does anything that is against the Code of Conduct, all your group may be immediately withdrawn from the parade. We also reserve the right to deny the entry of your whole group into the festival site if the Code of Conduct is not followed.

Additional Criteria for All Vehicles

In addition to the above general Code of Conduct, this applies to all vehicles, either being used in the parade or for stall holders.

No vehicles are permitted in the parade or on-site without the prior written permission from Medway Pride CIC. Transportation details for attendees can be found on our website.

You must display your vehicle pass on the windscreen of your vehicle at all times. The registration number, and other details on the access pass, must be accurate. This pass is only available with permission from Medway Pride CIC. If you have not received your pass, please contact your account liaison.

The vehicle must arrive in the allocated time window. After this you will be denied access.

Every vehicle must have an allocated driver who is capable and insured for driving the specified vehicle. No other drivers may operate the vehicle.

All vehicles must be: legally roadworthy (MOT), insured, and taxed.

The doors of the vehicle must be locked at all times to prevent anyone other than the allocated driver(s) entering. The vehicle should not be left unattended at any time. Exceptions to this are only with explicit permission of Medway Pride CIC.

The vehicle keys must be in possession of either the allocated driver(s) at all times. Keys should not be left in the vehicle when it is not in motion.

You must not enter, move in, or leave the Parade Staging Area or Festival Site without specific direction from a member of the security team or the organising committee.

Do not drive over 5 mph at any time, with hazards flashing when you are moving and stationary.

We reserve the right to check the inside and outside of the vehicle. Please check that you don’t have anything in the car that would be considered offensive, be illegal, be glass, or be alcohol.

All materials or equipment used on or attached to the vehicle must be firmly secured, fireproofed, and adhere to relevant safety regulations (i.e. electrical items must be PAT tested).

Additional Criteria for Food Vendors

In addition to the above general Code of Conduct, and the above Additional Criteria for Stall Holders, the following points will also apply to you if you are a food vendor.

Please ensure that you bring your own fire safety equipment with you on the day.

Any potential allergies (i.e. nuts) must be clearly signposted for customers. Please make sure that you clearly list a list of allergens in your food to avoid allergic reactions from event participants.

Pitch positions will be offered for specific areas.

Please ensure that you submit an e-copy of your most recent Food Hygiene Rating Certificate and the Food Hygiene & Safety certificates of those attending and working the event.

Please ensure you have submitted a copy of your latest and current in date Gas Safety Certificate.

There are no water services on-site. If you require power, please contact your account liaison (a surcharge may be incurred which must be payable at the end of the event).

Additional Information for Press

Press must have registered in advance with Medway Pride CIC to receive a Press Pass. If you have not registered, please visit Pride HQ in Rochester Castle Gardens on event-day to enquire further.

Press Passes (in the form of a wristband) can be collected from Pride HQ in Rochester Castle Gardens. These must be collected before being able to access the Parade Staging Area or to photograph the parade.

When accessing the Rochester Castle Gardens please enter via the Castle Hill entrance and show proof of being on the press list to whoever is at the gate to gain access. Pride HQ can then be found by asking security at the gate

Press are asked that when taking close up pictures of individuals or groups that verbal permission is gained. When photos are crowd shots, this doesn’t need to apply.

Any photos taken may be used in Medway Pride CIC material, credit will be given to the photographer. If an individual consents to having a photo taken, they also accept that photos of them may be used.

Where possible, please send Medway Pride CIC the photos after if you would like them considered for upload to our website and social media (with credits)!

Consequences of Failing to abide by the Code of Conduct

These consequences apply to any person or group who does not abide by this Code of Conduct:

by disagreement with any of these rules means you will not be permitted to enter the site.

You may be immediately removed from the event. If you have attended with a group or organisation (including for the parade), your group may also be removed from the event site.

Any costs accrued towards attendance will be forfeitet

Any person found to be in possession or under the influence of illegal substances, or taking part in any illegal activity, will be reported to the police, with whom we work closely to deliver a safe event.

We will be unlikely to accept any future application to participate in any part of the event.

Any person behaving in such a manner will be removed from the parade and the festival site. Their group may also be removed at the sole discretion of the Medway Pride CIC / Event Security.

Any complaints or concerns in relation to this Code of Conduct should be raised with the Parade Director as soon as possible after the complaint has arisen. If an issue is not satisfactorily dealt with, then the Event Manager must be informed. In all matters relating to this Code of Conduct, the decision of the Event Manager will be final. You can contact us via the contact form on our website.