top of page

Nottingham officially recognises LGBTQ+ District

  • midlandsrainbow
  • 46 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

During Notts Pride weekend celebrations, it was announced that the city’s vibrant ‘Rainbow Quarter’ centred around Hockley would become an officially recognised LGBTQ+ District by the city.

 

Nottingham Rainbow Quarter
Nottingham Rainbow Quarter

The initiative, is driven by local charity, The Pastel Project and supported by It’s In Nottingham and other community groups. It has been hailed as a “powerful statement of who we are and what we stand for” by the organisers.

 

The area of Hockley, covering Broad Street, Carlton Street, and Heathcote Street, where the Rainbow Quarter is located has a long and rich LGBTQ+ history, spanning from the 1990s. The area is also where Notts Pride had been held until recent years when it expanded and shifted to Sneinton Market in 2024. Hockley will now receive formal recognition through updated city maps, historical plaques, and a unified visual identity for local businesses, much like Chinatown’s and Gay Villages across cities in the UK already showcase.

 

In a post explaining why Hockley is Notts Pride’s home, the organisers stated: “Hockley isn’t just where we march through - it’s where our roots run deep.”

 

Sam Harvey, director of The Pastel Project, said: “The area is unofficially known as Nottingham’s queer district anyway, but this will officially recognise that. I’ve long said Nottingham is a brilliant LGBTQ+ city and it just doesn’t seem to be recognised - this will put us on the map alongside the greats across the UK, like Manchester and Brighton.

 

"We'll get recognition for the amazing local talent we have and this will be an official stamp for the city - I'm really proud".

 

The announcement of the area's official recognition was made during the city’s Pride celebrations, which drew thousands to the streets of Nottingham. The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed the move, predicting a boost in tourism and local investment as a result of the new designation.

 

"It’s encouraging to see Hockley taking positive action in promoting diversity," the chamber's Director of Resources, Lucy Robinson, said.

 

"Our own research into Equality Diversity and Inclusion, produced in conjunction with emh Group, has shown 7 out of 10 East Midlands businesses embrace EDI and have a policy in place but that still leaves a few that haven’t yet. Hockley’s good example will hopefully inspire other businesses."

 

Nadia Whittome, the Member of Parliament for Nottingham East, which covers the Hockley area, added that the Rainbow Quarter marks "a very proud moment" in the city.

 

The MP said: "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.

 

"At a time when visibility and inclusion is more important than ever, the Rainbow Quarter is a necessary symbol of unity, and of the progress that those before us bravely fought for".

 

The Rainbow Quarter is expected to be fully established in time for next year’s Pride event in 2026, with plans for community-led events, art installations, and business collaborations already underway.

Comments


Alexandra Theatre Shoews Banner advert, click to book shows
bottom of page