TWO organisations have come together to host a town’s first pride event next year - and the partnership was commemorated during a symbolic art event.

Organiser of Burnham-on-Sea pride, Steve Mellor, and The Princess Theatre and Arts Centre came together to mark the start of their year long campaign.

Part of the theatre’s Contact exhibition is 11-year-old Francesca Strong’s piece entitled The Lonely Benches.

The art includes a portfolio of empty bench pictures and an installation of a wire structure self-portrait on a bench.

She asked members of the public to tie a ribbon on the wire structure in memory of the NHS and their hard work during the pandemic.

And so Mr Mellor donated a pride ribbon to the installation.

“I was amazed by Francesca’s artwork and saw that viewers were adding ribbons and I knew we needed to donate a rainbow ribbon on behalf of Burnham-on-Sea Pride,” he said.

The Princess Theatre are hosting Burnham-on-Sea’s first pride event next July.

“Arts and cultural events are a great way to create a welcoming community,” said Beccy Armory, business development officer at the theatre.

“Collaborating with local organisations to do this and help them to create key events in the local calendar is really important to us.

“We are really excited to be the hosts of Burnham-on-Sea’s first Pride with Steven as organiser next July.”

Mr Mellor is looking to build a team of volunteers for Burnham-on-Sea pride.

If you are interested email burnhampride@gmail.com.

For more information about The Princess Theatre’s upcoming shows or exhibitions visit theprincesstheatre.co.uk.