Posted 09 July 2021
Local bus operator First West of England is celebrating Pride in style this year with the launch of a brand-new Pride Bus, sporting a livery decorated with the ‘Progress’ pride flag, and the phrase “Love Wins.”
Starting today, the biogas fuelled bus will be a permanent fixture in the company’s fleet and in service on different routes in Bristol, so that it can be seen across the city.
First is keen for Bristolians to keep an eye out for the Pride Bus for more than one reason. To celebrate the launch, First West of England will be running a weekly prize draw with the chance to win some great Pride-themed goodie bags, including day mTicket voucher cards, sunglasses, face paint and neck buffs. Anyone can enter the competition by sharing a snap of the stylish new addition to the roads of Bristol in a public post on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with the hashtag #BristolPrideBus, and tagging @FirstBSA for Twitter or @FirstWestofEngland for Facebook or Instagram. And, with two goodie bags to give away each week until 12th August, there are plenty of chances to win.
First West of England has traditionally offered free travel in the Bristol Zone on Pride Day for those who purchase a Bristol Pride supporters wristband but this has sadly been postponed again this year due to Covid.
Doug Claringbold, Managing Director of First West of England, said: “Despite Pride Day and the Parade March being postponed again this year, we are committed to supporting the movement with this bus which we are very proud to introduce into our fleet and which will be seen all over Bristol.
“We will still be offering free travel to those with wristbands on Saturday 10th July, supporting those travelling to some of the events which are still going ahead throughout the day or friends that may be getting together to celebrate within the permitted numbers.”
“It is our privilege to support the LGBTQ+ community within our organisation and in the communities that we serve across the West of England.
Daryn Carter MBE, founder and Programming & Sponsorship Director of Bristol Pride, said: “We are so excited to see a Pride bus joining the fleet and we can’t wait to see it on the streets of Bristol. Despite our disappointment at having to postpone this year’s Parade March and Pride Day event, we are delighted that First West of England continues to show its support with the commissioning of this superb vehicle which will launch during this year’s festival. We hope people will be able to catch it as they attend the events that are happening this month and we look forward to it being part of our parade later this year.”
“We couldn’t make Pride happen without the support that we receive from organisations in Bristol and further afield. This year is no different and despite another challenging year we are grateful for the continued support, especially from First and in honouring the free travel to those with a Pride supporter wristband on Saturday 10th July.”
Bristol Pride 2021 takes place from 3-16 July with online and physical events taking place across the city.