Chippenham Borough Lands Charity (CBLC) is proud to support Pride in Chippenham CIC with a £3,000 grant to help launch “Picnic in the Park” – a new family-friendly and accessible community space at PrideFest 2026.
Taking place on Saturday 13th June as part of the wider PrideFest weekend, Picnic in the Park will provide a relaxed outdoor hub designed to welcome families, young people, first-time Pride attendees and members of the wider community.
Located at Island Park the space will feature live performances, creative activities, local charity stalls and food and drink, creating an inclusive social space where people can come together and celebrate.
Accessibility and wellbeing have been central to the planning of the new hub, with quieter areas and calm spaces included to support neurodiverse visitors and those who may prefer a gentler festival environment.
The funding reflects CBLC’s commitment to supporting projects that strengthen community connections, improve wellbeing and help create inclusive opportunities for local people.
L to R – Beck Altria (PIC Chair of trustees), Beth Gardner (CBLC trustee), Hayley Barnden (PIC trustee), Rachael Arkinstall (Grants Manager) and Ellen King (PIC trustee) on Avon Bridge, Chippenham
PrideFest 2026 takes place across Chippenham on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June.
This year’s expanded programme will include a Pride parade and opening ceremony on the High Street, live entertainment, comedy, music, drag performances, a Pride market, film screenings, wellbeing activities and youth events hosted across venues including Emery Gate, Yelde Hall, Grounded, The Ruze, Rivo and The Reel Cinema.
Additional activities will include a Pride Parkrun in Monkton Park, Pride Yoga in Island Park, art workshops, a trans joy exhibition and a family-friendly Pride window trail.
Alice Porter, Production Co-chair of PrideFest, said:
“Picnic in the Park will be a space where everyone can feel welcome, safe, and celebrated. Whether you’re coming with family, friends or attending Pride for the first time, we want people to feel welcome from the moment they arrive.”
Pride in Chippenham CIC is also seeking volunteers to support the festival weekend through stewarding, marshalling and event support roles.
To find out more about PrideFest 2026, visit Pride in Chippenham:
