Cumbrian businesses stand with LGBTQIA+ community for Kendal Pride

A slew of Cumbrian businesses have stepped up to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community by supporting Kendal Pride, and helping to make the 2025 festival a reality.

The event – billed as ‘pride done differently’ – will take over the Cumbrian town for its third year from Friday June 13 to Sunday 15, offering a host of activities for people of all ages.

And this year, seven key sponsors – TryBooking, Herdy, the Westmorland Family, Douglass Grange, Fostering Solutions, Klean Kanteen and Romney’s – have been steadfast in their support and celebration of pride and the LGBTQIA+ community in Kendal.

Jamie Hooper, chair of the organising group, said: “Having the support of the business community is hugely valuable, especially at a time when many LGBTQIA+ people are worried that hard-won rights are under attack globally.

“The solidarity our sponsors are showing – as well as their financial contribution to making Kendal Pride happen – helps to show that all members of the LGBTQIA+ community are welcome and belong in Kendal, the South Lakes and beyond.”

Kendal-based ticketing provider TryBooking has joined the line-up of Kendal Pride sponsors for the first time this year.

Joan Lind, TryBooking’s managing director, said: “Trybooking has been proudly supporting pride events across the UK over the last 10 years. So, when we saw the opportunity to support Kendal Pride and show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community on our doorstep, we jumped at the chance.”

Cute and lovable gift and homeware brand Herdy is synonymous with the Lake District and its colourful shops bring fun and smiles to Kendal, Bowness-on-Windermere, Grasmere, Keswick and Ambleside. Herdy has supported Pride month for many years and this year they have sponsored Pride Kendal for the second time.

Diane Hannah, Herdy’s co-founder and director, said: “Herdy is getting out the glitter and going full on colour for Kendal Pride. We’re always up for a party and we hope everyone has a baa-rilliant time over the weekend.”

The Westmorland Family, which owns and operates Rheged, Tebay Services, Cairn Lodge Services, Gloucester Services, Junction 38 Truckstop and the Westmorland Hotel, has long been known for its support of charitable and good causes in the area. And, in support of its LGBTQIA+ employees and the local community, is backing Kendal Pride and its mission to ‘do pride differently.’

Lucien Xavier, head of creative and design at the Westmorland Family, said: “What Kendal Pride offers really chimes with our ethos, both in terms of cultural programming, and bringing the community together.

“And, many of our team are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, so it is important to us to stand in solidarity with them and celebrate pride together.”

Accountancy firm Douglass Grange, which has offices in Kendal, are also supporting the three-day festival, as part of its commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Ben Moffat, director at Douglass Grange, said: “Supporting Kendal Pride isn’t just about backing a festival – it’s about showing up for inclusion, equality, and belonging in our community. We’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates people for who they are and brings real joy and unity to Kendal.”

Fostering Solutions, an independent fostering agency which places looked after children in with carers, including many in the LGBTQIA+ community, will also support the event. Plus, will be part of a special panel discussion on parenting and LGBTQIA+ topics.

Wesley Moffitt, practice manager, said: “LGBTQIA+ people here in Cumbria and across the UK give safe, secure and loving foster placements to children who need them everyday. Supporting Kendal Pride gives us the chance to give something back.”

Klean Kanteen, which makes sustainable bottles and containers, is also backing the South Lakes’ festival.

John Alexander, brand manager at Klean Kanteen, said: “When we heard about Kendal Pride’s ‘pride done differently’ approach, and its focus on the outdoors and sustainable ethos, we knew we wanted to get involved and show our support for the LGBTQIA+ community here in Cumbria.”

And, well-known Cumbrian confectioners, Romney’s, which makes the iconic Kendal Mint Cake, have thrown their support behind Kendal’s Pride too.

Greg Taylor, operations manager at Romney’s, said: “LGBTQIA+ people are as much a part of Cumbria’s identity as Kendal Mint Cake. Plus, Kendal Pride’s focus on enjoying the outdoors chimes with what mint cake was first invented for; it’s a match made in Romney’s heaven!”

Kendal Pride has also been funded for 2025 by Kendal BID and Kendal Town Council.

Tickets for Kendal Pride’s Big Pride Party are on sale now priced at £20 per person, with more details about the free elements of the programme to be released soon.