A police car, specially decorated for Bourne Free, Bournemouth’s Gay Pride Event, will take to the streets of the town on Saturday.
Arranged by the Office of the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, it is hoped the fully branded Pride vehicle will encourage communities to report hate crime, as well as demonstrate the Force’s commitment to working with LGBT communities.
The parade is part of the 12th annual Bourne Free event running from 8 – 10 July with the parade due to start on Saturday at 11am along the East Cliff, finishing at noon in The Triangle.
Officers and staff will be walking alongside the branded vehicle which has been specifically decorated with rainbows and stars to celebrate Pride.
Dorset Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner will have stands in the lower gardens throughout the day; sharing community safety information and asking for resident’s views on policing.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill, said: “It is always wonderful to see the whole town come together to celebrate the LGBT community in such a vibrant, exciting way. Recent national events have highlighted increased community tensions and it is vital we do all we can to reassure Dorset residents that hate crime is taken seriously.
“The vehicle will be parked in the lower gardens after the event and members of the public are welcome to come and have their photo taken with the car.”
Deputy Chief Constable, James Vaughan, who is taking part in the parade, said: “Bourne Free is a great event which really shows off Bournemouth at its best, celebrating our diverse population. Dorset Police is committed to supporting all communities throughout Dorset and I am looking forward to taking part and seeing everyone in what is set to be another exciting event.”
