Date revealed for Nottingham’s Rainbow Quarter official launch

Last year, plans were announced to transform the streets surrounding Hockley – an area already tied to the local LGBTQ+ community and its history – into an official LGBTQ+ district. Following in the footsteps of other cities including Manchester and Birmingham, which have officially recognised Gay Villages, Hockley is set to become Nottingham’s Rainbow Quarter. The charity spearheading the plans, Nottingham Pastel Project, have now revealed details and dates for the Rainbow Quarter's official launch.

The Pastel Project has been working hard for months, planning and making arrangements for the official opening of Nottingham’s Rainbow Quarter which has been confirmed for Wednesday 17th June, in celebration of Pride Month

A spokesperson for Nottingham Pastel Project told Midlands Rainbow: “we're super excited to announce the launch of the Nottingham Rainbow Quarter right in the middle of pride month. Pride is a time to celebrate our amazing queer community both past and present- and we hope to make it extra special for Nottingham this year by creating a permanent edition to our city. Recognising queer art, history, culture and community that continues to shape Nottingham."

A key change The Pastel Project are hoping to enact as part of this new development is temporary road closures for the city’s annual Pride.

Speaking to Nottinghamshire Live, Sam Harvey of the Pastel Project said: "One of the things that came up when talking to businesses was issues of trying to get the road closed outside The Lord Roberts, on Broad Street.

"During Pride, people stand outside of the pub and it becomes almost a street party. We've been speaking to the council about potentially closing that off and it would mean we could have an actual street party.

"In Manchester, for example, at their Pride, they have a stage area like the area in Sneinton Market and then a separate street party like the one here."

The new Rainbow Quarter is set to cover Broad Street, Carlton Street and Heathcote Street around Hockley and could also see new road signs and maps updated to reflect the district's new purpose.

Sam also adds that while the Rainbow Quarter is set to be officially unveiled in June, the project is an "ongoing" development which will grow over time, much like other Gay Villages across the country.

Nadia Whittome, the MP for Nottingham East, which covers the Hockley area, and a proud bisexual woman herself added the Rainbow Quarter marks "a very proud moment" in the city’s history.

"It is a powerful statement of who we are and what we stand for. Spearheaded by the Nottingham Pastel Project, this vital initiative creates a dedicated safe space for our LGBTQ+ community, supports businesses and honours the queer history that has shaped our city."