The Westgate shopping centre in Oxford is hosting a special feature to celebrate Pride Month this June.

The ‘Tree of Pride’ invites visitors to decorate the tree with pledges to work towards a more inclusive and loving future.

The community art piece will be touring the country gathering the public’s promises, blooming with messages of love, unity, and acceptance on its journey.

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Brendan Hattam, centre director at Westgate Oxford, said: “We celebrate our wonderfully diverse community all day, every day, and Pride Month is an opportunity to put a spotlight on progress made so far, and the work still to be done.   

“We look forward to reading our visitors’ messages celebrating inclusivity, and to seeing the positive impact of the work led by Oxford Pride throughout the year.”   

In honour of the Tree of Pride and Pride Month, Westgate Oxford has made a £5,000 donation to Oxford Pride. 

Oxford Pride holds events year-round which create inclusive spaces for the community to do everyday things such as swimming and ice skating. 

The Tree of Pride will be at Westgate Oxford from June 3 to June 4 and the public are invited to participate from 10.30am – 6pm on Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sunday.  

Debbie Brixley, chair of Oxford Pride, commented: “Oxford Pride believes that Pride is not just a day or a month but should be for all the community all year round.

We want to put on events throughout the year that are suitable for everyone and with the funds donated by Westgate Oxford, we’ll be able to make our events even more inclusive.  

“We are seeing an increase in younger people coming to our events, something we encourage, and being able to offer them experiences and venues that are safe, accessible, and sober is also a high priority. 

“This money will go a long way to help us deliver these events throughout the year." 

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Oxford Pride is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023.

Membership of the organisation is open to all and it is run by a group of volunteers.

Oxford Pride celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer life in Oxfordshire.

The events supporting or arranged by Oxford Pride promote awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and lifestyles by providing information, education, and entertainment in a safe and encouraging environment.