The month-long global celebration from 1 to 30 June aims to recognise the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging the challenges faced by this community and to stand in solidarity with their fight for equality, acceptance and human rights.
Its roots come from Stonewall Uprising, which took place in New York City in June 1969.
The uprising was a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, sparked by a series of protests against police harassment and discrimination.
The following year, the first Pride marches were organised to commemorate the anniversary of the uprising.
In the UK, the first official Pride march happened in London in 1972. Since then, Pride month has grown in significance with various parades, events and educational programmes taking place throughout June.
It aims to serve as a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to celebrate diversity, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and foster a community of community and acceptance.
Across June, Punch supports Ask For Clive and the charity’s Pub Pride campaign, which the pub group fundraises for through a variety of events across its managed and leased & tenanted estate.
Strong partnership
The business has again partnered with Absolut, where for every bottle sold within the pub group’s estate through the month, the spirit company donates £1 to Ask for Clive.
Furthermore, the business also hosts a variety of Pride-themed activities at its head office to show support and raise money for the charity.
Head of PR and brand communications Caroline Southwell said: “We’re thrilled to have partnered again with Ask For Clive or the fifth year running and as our partnership grows stronger, so does the incredible support from our publicans, management partners and their teams.
“The Pub Pride campaign perfectly aligns with our ‘Doing Well by Doing Good’ business value and we recognise that now more than ever, it’s crucial we stand united with our communities to show zero tolerance for hate crime.
“We know our pubs are the beating heart of their communities and every day they reinforce the message that everyone is welcome.
“This year, our pubs have spectacular plans to celebrate Pride and I can’t wait to see these ideas come to life!”
Fellow pub group Greene King is also raising money for charity through sales of Absolut, which it has teamed up with where every single measure in selected pubs will donate 10p to national LGBQ+ support live Switchboard.
The UK’s biggest pub company Stonegate Group marks the month across a plethora of its brands.
Charity donations
This year sees it donate 10p for every drink sold in June in its LGBQ+ managed venues to Stonewall Housing - a charity that supports LGBTQ+ people facing homelessness or unsafe living conditions and that Stonegate has supported since 2021.
The fundraising for the charity continues in the group’s Be At One brand where 50p from every Matcha Matcha Man drink sold is donated to Stonewall Housing.
Moreover, in 2023, the business launched its ‘Serving with Pride’ campaign, which runs across its managed sites and celebrates Pride while aiming to champion inclusivity every day of the year.
Star Pubs gives its operators the opportunity to utilise their marketing materials to showcase their support.
Head of retail Cathy Olver said: “Once again, an increasing number of our pubs are wanting to show their support for Pride Month.
“We’ve offered licensees the opportunity to opt in and receive free Pride-themed point-of-sale kits, which are packed with items that visibly display support for Pride inside and outside the venues, including flags, posters, window vinyls and stickers.
“By creating a visible display, pubs can show everyone is welcome regardless of race, gender, age or sexuality.”
Elsewhere, the Red Lion in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, part of McMullen’s, is also raising money for Ask For Clive with £1 of every sale of its new Watermelon Sugar Pride cocktail going to the charity.
The Windmill in Southport, Merseyside is hosting a special comedy and curry evening.
Manchester’s Printworks has teamed up with charity the Kaleidoscope Trust and launched the month with lighting up its digital ceiling, aiming to ‘illuminate LGBTQ+ voices’.
The campaign looks to highlight the global fight for LGBTQ+ rights - raising awareness and encouraging support for those still facing persecution in more than 65 countries.
