Kingston First, the town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), has announced that LGBTQIA+ organisation Unapologetic will receive £5,000 of funding to deliver a programme of creative, community-led workshops to support Pride in Kingston. The programme includes a mix of Drag Expression, Pride Art and Mural Workshops – bringing visibility, individuality and celebration to the heart of Kingston during one of the UK’s most culturally significant moments.
The funding is part of Kingston First’s Town Centre Community Fund – now in its third year – offering £30,000 in total to support projects and initiatives that help to make Kingston town centre a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected place for Kingston’s businesses, community, and visitors.
Other successful applicants of the fund are:
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- Sky High – Kingston Street Art Festival – £10,000: Returning after a standout debut, this large-scale street art festival will transform Kingston town centre into an open-air gallery, featuring leading local, national and international artists. Building on last year’s success, the festival will animate public spaces across the town centre, driving footfall and cultural engagement.
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- Kingston Youth Anthems – £6,200: A series of high-energy live music events designed specifically for children and families, bringing younger audiences into Kingston’s night time economy venues during the daytime. The project creates accessible, age-inclusive gig experiences while supporting local venues.
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- Anstee Bridge – Windows of Belonging – £5,000: This unique organisation offers an alternative creative programme for young people facing barriers such as trauma, mental health challenges and risk of exclusion. The powerful community arts initiative will transform the shopfronts of small independent Kingston businesses into a public art exhibition. Each bespoke window display will be co-created by young people from Anstee Bridge and professional artists, with artwork centred on identity, belonging and hope.
“We’re incredibly proud of what the Town Centre Community Fund has achieved over the past three years – not only in supporting such a diverse and inspiring group of organisations, but also in helping to champion and support our local businesses. From celebrating Pride through Unapologetic’s bold and visible programme, to creating opportunities for young people and transforming our streets through art, this year’s projects truly reflect the creativity and strength of our community.”
“We’re unapologetically proud to be bringing Pride to Kingston for the very first time, marking a historic moment for the town. This event is about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community openly and without apology, and making sure everyone knows there is a place for them here in Kingston. With the support of Kingston First, we’re able to create something truly special, with a weekend full of Pride activities and celebrations that will become part of Kingston’s history and Unapologetic’s legacy.”
“We’re massively grateful for this support from Kingston First which will allow us to develop access to music for younger people via our Youth Anthems program. We’re really looking forward to being able to support local bands while bringing in families to the town to experience the great night time economy offering during the day!”
A Growing Legacy of Community Impact
Since launching in 2023, Kingston First’s Town Centre Community Fund has supported a wide range of impactful initiatives – from employment support for refugees to large-scale public art and accessibility programmes.
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