East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) is proud to announce its support and participation in various Pride events across East Sussex this summer.
Attending Pride events is not just about taking part in a parade, or waving a flag, these are community events and ESFRS takes part, not only as an inclusive employer, but as a public service who supports all of our communities.
Our Pride Events Schedule
Monday, 15th July: We attended the East Sussex County Council annual flag raising event. The rainbow flag proudly flew above County Hall, marking the start of Pride celebrations. For more information, visit Rainbow flag flies above County Hall for Pride | The Newsroom (eastsussex.gov.uk)
Saturday, 20th July – Eastbourne Pride:
- Starting from Eastbourne Pier, BN21 3EL at 11am.
- The Parade takes around an hour.
- For more information, visit Eastbourne Pride 2024.
Saturday, 3rd August – Brighton Pride:
- Starting from Hove Lawns, BN3 2FR at 11am.
- Due to the scale of this event, it can take several hours to complete the Parade.
- For more information, visit Brighton & Hove Pride.
- We will also be joined by colleagues from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
Sunday, 25th August – Hastings Pride:
- Starting from the Stade, TN34 3FJ at 11am.
- For more information, visit Hastings Pride.
The Parades demonstrate visibility, celebrating the strength and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community. We support these events to show commitment to an inclusive society.
Fire Out Staff Network
In the spirit of unity and empowerment, earlier this year our Staff Network, Fire Out, became a joint staff network with our colleagues at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS). Fire Out’s mission is to support LGBTQ+ colleagues from both ESFRS and WSFRS, enhance awareness of LGBTQ+ experiences and challenges, and improve community engagement for both Services.
Promoting Water Safety – The Ducks are back!
Throughout the Pride celebrations, ESFRS will be emphasizing important safety messages, particularly around water safety. We want everyone to enjoy the celebrations safely.
Using the hashtag #dontdrinkanddrown, we aim to raise awareness of the dangers of entering the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
From 2019 to 2023, there were 300 accidental drownings in the UK involving drugs and alcohol. We are hopeful that our engagement will have a lasting impact, making people aware of the dangers and encouraging safe behaviours when in or around water.
For more information about staying safe around water, visit Water Safety & Drowning Prevention | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)
ESFRS is committed to promoting an inclusive and safe environment for all. We look forward to celebrating Pride with our community and promoting the values of diversity, safety, and inclusivity.