Veolia, they just take the rubbish away after Pride right? Hell no, they’re SO much more than that. They’re at the cutting edge of ecological transformation, fighting climate change by reducing their own GHG emissions, developing what they call a ‘circular economy’ and helping customers achieve energy savings. They use renewable energy, electric vehicles, and convert their own biogas. Wow. Wouldn’t it be great if all utility companies were as concerned about not polluting the environment?? Keep up the good work friends, and thanks a thousand times for all the support you give us!

You might not know this, but Tesco actively supports its LGBTQ+ employees in many ways. The LGBTQ+ at Tesco Network, established in 2005, is one of the largest LGBTQ+ colleague networks in Europe. Its mission is to empower LGBTQ+ colleagues, creating an environment where they can confidently be themselves at work and excel. Because of this (and a host of other reasons) Tesco has been recognized as one of Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers, achieving Gold status. They actively support LGBTQ+ staff and customers, making positive strides in inclusion. As one of our newest sponsors, we say welcome to the Medway Pride family, props for everything you do for the community and THANK YOU for supporting us!

Moat, one of the biggest housing associations in the South East, provides housing-related support for LGBTQ+ folk. While they don’t specifically focus on LGBTQ+ services, they offer essential housing assistance to all residents. On top of this they build affordable homes for people in housing need, offer home improvement surveys and provide energy efficient upgrades to housing that they manage. They’re good people basically! We applaud them for what they do, and thank them for being such an incredible ally down the years! 

The huge number of MHS vans on the streets of Medway shows just how committed they are to their mission, which is to provide secure, affordable homes as a stepping stone to a better future, because everyone needs a decent home. Did you know that they’re the largest independent social landlord in the UK? The group includes Heart of Medway Housing Association which is regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing, and Foyers, which provides supported living for young people. Big hugs and loads of thanks yous guys, we truly appreciate your support! 

A few words from the Co-op, one of our awesome Silver Sponsors: ‘We believe that a fair and inclusive world is one where people respect and celebrate their differences, and everyone has the chance to succeed. After all that’s the kind of world we want to live in, and it’s why we embrace the talents, beliefs, backgrounds and abilities of all our colleagues’. It’s true too, when you shop at Co-op, you’re supporting their commitment to LGBTQ+ causes. For many years, they’ve been investing in projects that can make a difference by changing lives and minds. They have a long history of campaigning on for equal rights and were the only retailer to speak in Parliament in support of the Equal Marriage Bill. Which is like, beyond cool. So thanks guys, for everything you do, and for supporting us from the very beginning!! 

Poco Loco, a family-owned grassroots dive-bar and live performance venue, also houses a Spanish/Mexican restaurant ‘Tacos & Tapas’. During the day, it’s a great place to unwind with a beer, coffee, or some tapas. At night, it transforms into a vibrant scene with live bands and performances, perfect for dinner or partying late into the night. For over thirteen years, Poco Loco has been a nurturing ground for local talent and a stop for international touring acts, at the core of Medway’s music and alternative culture. With a range of acts from indie rock to gypsy jazz, and funk to heavy rock, as well as burlesque and spoken word, Poco Loco offers something for everyone. Their commitment to diversity, openness, and acceptance is evident, making them a beloved part of the community. And don’t miss their stunning cocktails, especially during Medway Pride on the 17th

Kent Dider Co have been supporting Medway Pride as a Sponsor since 2022. They produce both traditional, still, strong and dry ciders such as Russet as well as sparkling apple ciders, real fruit ciders, experimental trial batch ciders and more

They also have many seasonal and limited edition offerings and these depend on what local fruit we are able to source at a good price and at the right moment. Popular seasonal offerings have included Strawberry, Damson, Cherry and Apricot. Rhubarb started out as one of our limited edition offerings and has grown to be one our most loved and bestselling ciders.

They want to be sure that people find a Kentish cider that they love, whether that be traditional or one of our more contemporary offerings. Also – handy for some of you to know : our business is vegan owned and run, so our entire range is suitable for Vegan drinkers. As well as this our cider is naturally gluten-free and therefore it is suitable for Coeliac drinkers too.

what can we tell you about the Ship Inn that you don’t already know?  is it one of the oldest queer venues in the UK? YES! are they super-friendly and welcoming? YES! do they have amazing acts on every week? YES! do they have fabulous DJs? YES! do they do awesome cocktails? YES! is their Sunday roast beyond tasty? YES! is their back garden lovely? YES! are they one of our oldest, dearest, most supportive friends in Medway? YES YES YES!

Seriously guys, we love you, thanks for always being there for the queer community, for your many kindnesses, and for all the amazing support you’ve given Medway Pride through the years!

Our long term Sponsor State 4 Restaurants who with other businesses manage Medways McDonalds franchises show unwavering commitment to advancing equality and inclusivity, The company has a comprehensive global policy that bars discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, safeguarding employees worldwide against mistreatment based on factors including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and transgender identity. So thanks Ronald for the invaluable McSupport you give to the LGBTQIA+ community and to us, Medway Pride!

Rochester Riverside is a £419 million ( ) joint venture between Countryside and Hyde, in partnership with the council. If you’ve been down there you’ll they’re transforming what was a 50-acre brownfield site into a new riverside destination. The development includes around 1,400 new homes, a proportion of which are affordable, a primary school, nursery, hotel, 2.5 km river walkway, commercial units, parking, green open spaces, and play areas! Thanks for helping to energise the riverside guys, and for being such staunch supporters for so long, we truly truly appreciate it!