Pride flag raised in Surrey Heath – Monday 4 September 2023

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Raising of Pride Flag

The Intersex Progressive Pride flag was raised outside Surrey Heath House on Monday 4 September.  This event celebrates Surrey Heath’s diversity and individuality across the Borough and shows support for our LGBTQ+ Community.   

This year's event was hosted by the Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr Pat Tedder with attendees including, the Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC), Cllr Shaun MacDonald, Deputy Leader of SHBC, Cllr Morgan Rise, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Inclusion, Cllr Lisa Finan-Cooke, representatives from Pride Surrey, SHBC Councillors, SHBC Officers, and members of the local LGBTQ+ community.   

The Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr Pat Tedder said;  

“Today we come together to continue to celebrate the tradition of raising the Pride Flag in recognition of our support, and our continued commitment to working with the LGBTQ+ community.   

It is also fitting that we raise the flag this month, as Surrey Pride celebrations take place in the borough of Reigate and Banstead on 9th September.” 

Cllr Lisa Finan-Cooke, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Inclusion said:  

“‘It’s fantastic to see the Intersex Progressive Pride flag flying high over the lawn of Surrey Heath House for the fifth consecutive year!  This is crucially important at a time when hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community is rising at an exponential level.  Things are challenging for the LGBTQ+ community at the moment and we must do all we can to ensure that this community is supported.  Flying the flag is an outward symbol of the support Surrey Heath Borough Council offers the LGBTQ+ community and a commitment to ensuring that Surrey Heath remains a safe and welcoming place for all.  

I’d like to thank Pride in Surrey for attending our flag raising and I wish them all the very best for their event this weekend in Reigate – please do support it if you can.” 

Pride in Surrey Main Event, 9 September, Priory Park, Reigate 

Join the Pride in Surrey Event on 9 September in Reigate. There will be a march through the town centre together as one community before the spectacular main event in Priory Park. 

To find out more and book tickets visit the Pride in Surrey website https://www.prideinsurrey.org/