The theme for this year’s Pride week is ‘Celebrating who we are’, and all through the week there will be parties and events which will not only offer the opportunity for all people, be they gay, straight or undecided, to come out and celebrate diversity and the fact that we live in a mixed and understanding society, and not to mention – raise money for HIV charities in Phuket.
The PLU’s goal is to raise B1 million, which will go to help support their partnered charities, such as the ‘Life Home Project’, which sponsors the education of children living with HIV or who have parents with HIV, thus helping them to break the cycle of poverty or stigmatisation in which they are trapped. Or the ‘Community Project’, which works with groups like the Sabaidee Clinic, where local people can go for free HIV and STD testing, receive safe sex advice and free condoms.
All profits made from the week’s events will be donated to charity.
For detailed event listings and more information on Phuket Pride Week 2014, visit phuket-pride.org or facebook.com/prideinphuket
Class Act Media is a proud sponsor of this event.
Phuket Pride Week 2014 schedule:
Wednesday April 23, 11am-6pm
Volleyball Tournament – morning and afternoon: The very popular beach volleyball competition will this year be held in front of La Flora Hotel on Patong Beach. This will be a competition for teams of five people, with all teams playing each other on a points basis, leading to a final knock-out for the final. The entry fee will be B250 per person. The competition will begin at 11am, is open to all nationalities and is planned to finish by 6pm as the light fades. There is no charge (other than for beach chairs – one per person please!) for spectators. There will be bar and food facilities available, and spectators are encouraged to support these by not bringing their own refreshments.
Lounge 69 Pride Week Grand opening @ Aquarius, 8pm to late: This brand new concept bar in Soi Paradise has chosen Phuket Pride Week for its official Grand Opening. Lounge 69 is situated on Paradise Soi 2. The evening is free to attend and will have a free buffet, free welcome drink, great show and entertainment from a live band (subject to confirmation). Lounge 69 will be donating 10 per cent of all bar income from this evening to PLU/Pride charities.
Thursday, April 24, 6pm-11pm
Gala Dinner at the Millennium Resort Hotel Patong, including Grand Charity Auction: This event is a first for PLU and Phuket Pride and is being held at the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket, by Jungceylon. Dress code is causal but fabulous. The evening will include a buffet of both Thai and international cuisine, world famous cabaret show, guest DJs, and entertainers. During the evening there will be a Grand Charity Auction, with a mix of both open and silent bidding, with some ‘must have’ items up for auction. Auction items last year included flat screen TVs, weekend stays in hotels, dinners, spa visits and much more. The function room is in the Lakeside wing of the resort and is limited to 200 people. There are a limited number of VIP tables for 10 at B2,000 per person. Regular tickets at B1,500 can be purchased individually or by table of 12. To purchase a table for you and your friends, email gala@phuket-pride.org. The evening starts at 6pm for cocktails, dinner is at 7pm and goes until 11pm. There is also a free entry ticket for the after party at Famous nightclub.
Friday, April 25, 4pm-11pm
Garland Party at CC’s Hideaway, including Mr Phuket Pride 2014 contest: As the bars all close at 6pm for Patong elections, CC’s Hideaway in Kata will continue the party. And while Patong holds elections for mayor, we will hold elections for Mr Phuket Pride 2014 – a beauty and personality contest. There will also be great DJs, a pool for swimming, a giant balloon POP, special drinks prices and much more. A special buffet will be available at B350 (which includes a donation to PLU/PRIDE charities). The ticket price for this garland event will be B200, which will include a free drink, a free D.A.W. Ticket, and free garland ready to give to your favourite Mr Phuket Pride 2014 contestant. No need to pre-buy, just turn up and pay on the door. Entry to this event is free for all Thais (but excludes the free drink).
Saturday, April 26, 5.30pm-11.30pm
‘Sunset Beach Party’ at Iguana Beach: Iguana Beach is a private bay in Phuket, 15-20 minutes drive from Patong. We have exclusive use of the beach for this amazing sunset party. Swim, dance, eat and party along with guest international DJs, including one from the famous Catch Beach Club, guest performers, stunning dancers, a sunset saxophonist and much more, whilst enjoying the beautiful Phuket sunset. The ticket price for this six hours of fun is B900, which includes a welcome drink, canapes (until 6.30pm) and buffet BBQ. This is a ticket-only event and tickets must be purchased in advance as numbers are limited. For ticket information, email info@phuket-pride.org
Sunday, April 27, from 3pm
Grand Parade, Beach Road Patong: Starting from Soi Tan at 3pm, this parade will have many floats and street entertainment from gay and gay-friendly venues and organisations all over Phuket, with fantastic costumes and music. In previous years this parade has always attracted big crowds and this year we again anticipate thousands of people lining the street to enjoy this wild and colourful spectacle.
Tea Dance Street Party, BBQ by Bistro in Paradise: This fun event includes a big charity prize draw and will be a great way to spend your late afternoon/early evening. Expect music and shows from the bars, dancing and partying in the street in the warmth of the sunshine, and a BBQ from The Bistro Restaurant. This event is free, although there is of course a charge for the BBQ.
And throughout the week:
Soi Paradise in Pride Week
As always, evenings in Soi Paradise will be buzzing with noise, boys and entertainment, with many bars holding parties and special events throughout the week.
Charity collection/donation buckets
All during the week at many venues around Phuket you will see the official charity/donation buckets, all monies raised from these will go to PLU/PRIDE charities.