Planning for Pride: An Inclusive, Eco-Friendly Guide

Set the Tone Inclusively. Involve LGBTQ+ staff and community members from the start. Choose themes or messages that celebrate diversity of gender, race, and background. Ensure your event is accessible (e.g. ramps, gender-neutral restrooms) and safe for all. Communicate zero-tolerance for harassment. Partner with local charities or Pride organisations and consider Pride in the City membership for corporate groups. Pride in London notes that companies supporting diversity “are on average more productive and more profitable,” underscoring that inclusivity is good for people and business.

Think Creative with Décor. Let colour and movement catch the eye. Go “rainbow everything” – for example, craft a large balloon arch in Pride colours or string up vibrant flags and bunting along the venue. Use printed balloons or banners (even custom-printed with a campaign hashtag), but favour eco-friendly materials. For instance, hang bespoke plastic-free bunting instead of vinyl, and use biodegradable or paper alternatives for any single-use items. Banners, feather flags, and hand-waving flags invite participation – consider a mix of printed flags (for branding) and rainbow colouring flags to let guests get involved.

Emphasise Sustainability. Follow Pride in London’s lead on green goals. Use renewable-energy lighting, provide clear recycling bins, and avoid single-use plastics. For decor, the products matter: B-Loony’s paper pinwheels or windmills (with custom branding) are made entirely of recyclable paper, adding playfulness without plastic waste. Encourage guests to reuse what they have (for example, re-use old Pride banners or badges) and avoid confetti/glitter – these microplastics harm the environment. (A Pride sustainability guide warns: “Switching to biodegradable options… [instead of glitter]” can drastically cut festival litter.) Think long-term – buy or create durable signage and props that can be donated or recycled after the event.

Engage and Entertain. Plan activities that bring people together. A flag parade is always a hit: hand out small rainbow flags (B-Loony’s paper hand-waving flags) at the start line so everyone can march or wave them. Set up a photo booth with colourful props like balloon clusters and bunting backdrops – it doubles as entertainment and generates social media content. Hand out balloons or windmills to children (and adults!) to carry; they add cheer and keep all ages engaged. (Tip: use a cardboard balloon stick instead of string for safety and sustainability.) Invite local drag performers or speaker panels on LGBTQ+ issues to reinforce the message of the day.

Partner and Promote. Involve sponsors and stakeholders early on. Work with partner businesses to provide refreshments (e.g. rainbow-themed snacks) and staff volunteers. Many employers now recognise that “being part of Pride is one of the many ways we are seeing workplaces transform for the better”. Ask sponsors to co-brand materials (e.g. a sponsor logo on a Pride banner) in a tasteful way, highlighting their support for inclusion. Finally, publicise the event widely: use email, social media, and community networks to get the word out. Providing clear schedules and routes online helps attendees plan (and shows you’ve thought of accessibility and safety).