As part of its ongoing partnership with local volunteer organisation Norwich Pride, First Eastern Counties’ specially-wrapped bus took part in the Norwich Pride event on Saturday 29 July, being used for the day as a pop-up performance venue as part of the city’s Pride celebrations.
Designed in collaboration with Norwich Pride volunteer Paul Bale and the company’s Senior Marketing Manager David Jordan, the eyecatching bus has been developed to match the local group’s established publicity style, and incorporates local landmarks alongside the Norwich Lion. Completed in time for the national Pride month in June, the operator says that the bus has consistently attracted positive attention and feedback as it has operated on many of its Norwich services since then. During the Pride event, the bus saw a change of role as it hosted a range of performances from spoken word to pantomime and an immersive drag cabaret. At the same time, a team of First Eastern Counties employees took part in the Pride march through the city centre.
David commented, “We’re so excited and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside Norwich Pride and their extremely talented designer Paul, on this amazing project. We’re delighted that the eye-catching livery with its vibrant colours and local theme has been extremely well received and we’re proud to be able to continue our support for the wider Pride movement in our workforce and communities by working positively and creatively to challenge prejudice and discrimination of any kind.”
Head of Fundraising for Norwich Pride Robert George added, “We’re delighted to have this superb bus to raise awareness of Norwich Pride and to help make LGBTQIA+ people from Norwich and the surrounding area feel connected to each other and the wider Pride movement across the city. And what better way to play a part in the 15th annual Norwich Pride than to have the bus take on the form of the Gibert Baker Pride Bus stage at the one of the city’s largest and most loved free events.”
