We’re excited to announce to colleagues at Carnival UK, the news that Cunard and P&O Cruises have signed a three year agreement as headline sponsors of Southampton Pride, the annual festival that celebrates the LGBT community.
In celebration of the three year partnership which has been led by Spectrum, Carnival UK’s employee-led LGBT network group, the steps of Carnival House have been transformed into a rainbow of colour, a symbol used to celebrate the diversity of the LGBT community. It also marks the start of Pride month, an international LGBT event.
Josh, commenting on the partnership, said:
“Both Cunard and P&O Cruises have a proud and long history of welcoming LGBT Guests and colleagues on board our ships. We’re delighted to now be participating in this event and several others around the world.
Dedicated to diversity
Southampton Pride is a key event in our Summer of Happiness which is focused on encouraging and supporting each and every one of us to be the best version of ourselves. Creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves to work is key to this, and at Carnival UK we want to ensure everyone is welcome no matter how they identify. Across the fleet we’re celebrating Pride in the week leading up to 24 August and in Carnival House, we’re hosting a Pride party on 23 August.
#SOproud
Southampton Pride will take place on Saturday, 24 August in Guildhall Square and is expected to attract over 15,000 people with special performances by S Club. During the festival, Headliners theatre company from Azura will be performing and Cunard and P&O Cruises colleagues will be taking part in the main parade and hosting stalls. Fleet wide, Cunard and P&O Cruises ships will fly the Pride flag during their calls to Southampton that weekend with Azura hosting a Southampton Pride Sail Away on 24 August.
Julianne Watling-McCarthy, Chair of the Southampton Pride organising committee added:
“Southampton Pride is thrilled that Cunard and P&O Cruises have committed to support Southampton Pride for the next three years. This partnership helps to secure our future and will allow us to offer everyone in the City of Southampton the opportunity to take part in this free, family friendly event.”
If you’d like to join the Carnival UK Pride Squad, supporting Cunard and P&O Cruises at Southampton Pride, email lgbtnetwork@carnivalukgroup.com to volunteer.
For more information about Southampton Pride, please visit https://southamptonpride.org/
Please share your pictures from our Pride events using the hashtag #SOproud. #summerofhappiness and by tagging @CarnivalUKComms on Instagram