Hopes for a Windsor Pride may soon become a reality as the event organiser pushes forward with the plans.
In October, Steve Harris, 46, from Datchet, told The Observer about their ambition to launch an inclusive Pride event in Windsor.
Starting out with the bare bones of an idea, Steve has now pursued talks with the council and is looking for sponsorships and people to help shape the event.
Pride is an event centred around accepting and celebrating LGBTQ+ people, their history and raising awareness of issues.
Steve has a background in event management and has largely planned Windsor Pride themselves, including where the procession would take place and where the stage would be.
Steve said: "Originally I was scared to involve other people. I was worried about it going wrong and disappointing people.
"Now it has got to a point where I need to get support and more people involved.
"I want Windsor Pride to start big and have a legacy in years to come."
A handful of people and companies are already interested in being involved in the event, with Steve teasing a headliner from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 2.
However, the cost of the whole event has come as a shock to Steve, who said the hiring of portaloos alone is £60 to £120 a day per cubicle with fees of £200 plus for transport and removal.
"It scared me when I saw how much we need to raise to do it. We now need to raise funds with companies and sponsorships."
Steve added: "The council isn't funding this."
Pride events have been running in local towns over the last few years, including Newbury, Reading and now Bracknell as of 2023.
Having attended dozens of Pride events, Steve hopes to bring the "beautiful" experience to the town in late summer this year.
Steve previously said: "I think the whole messaging behind it is that times have very much changed and the UK is very forward-thinking with all of this - in other countries you get put in prison for that kind of thing."
However, Pride continues to push for a more inclusive society and Steve hopes to see a Windsor Pride for the local LGBTQ+ community.
Steve said the council are keen to get the ball rolling on the event.
A Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead spokesperson previously said: “The council is always keen to listen to and support local people and organisations who want to organise events within their communities.
"The council has been made aware of the proposal to hold a Windsor Pride event next year and early discussions are taking place to understand the organiser’s aspirations.”
Steve is asking anyone who wishes to be involved, including potential sponsors, caterers and businesses to reach out at steve@windsorpride.co.uk.
"If any businesses or anyone can think of ideas that they want to get involved, please get in touch."
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