During Pride Month, Weston-super-Mare has witnessed the targeted vandalism of Pride flags, highlighting ongoing intolerance. On June 18, the town council discovered that ropes were cut and damage inflicted on flagpoles located at Grove Park and the Italian Gardens. This malicious act also affected a micropub on the High Street, where Pride flags were torn down overnight.
Due to the significant damage to the flagpoles, the planned raising of flags for Armed Forces and Emergency Services Day could not proceed as initially arranged. Although a temporary repair allowed for a brief ceremonial flag-raising on June 19 at the Italian Gardens, the flagpole at Grove Park has been taken out of use indefinitely.
Ciaran Cronnelley, leader of Weston-super-Mare Town Council, condemned the acts: “I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that this vandalism happened during Pride Month. When people question the need to celebrate Pride, this shows intolerance is still very much present, reminding us why Pride remains essential.”
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The Black Cat Micropub, also a victim, shared on Facebook that their Pride flags, which had been displayed for years without issue, were ripped down and destroyed. The pub has since repaired and reinstated the flags, proudly flying them again.
Grove Park holds special significance as it will host Weston Pride’s main event on June 27, marking the first Pride celebration in the town after a three-year hiatus. The Pride parade will begin at Princess Royal Square at 11:15 am, proceeding through Regent Street and the High Street before concluding at Grove Park.
Mr. Cronnelley addressed those responsible: “You may have hoped to cause division by damaging these flags, but you have instead united the community even more strongly.”