Bristol Water is set to bring its Water Bar to Bristol Pride 2025 – providing people with free drinking water while championing sustainability and helping to reduce the use of single use plastics.
Hannah Best, a Website and Content Manager at Bristol Water, will be volunteering with the Customer Engagement team on the Water Bar.
Hannah is passionate about standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community after experiencing prejudice herself growing up.
Bristol Pride has long been considered a celebration of the city’s diverse community, overcoming prejudice, and showing up for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Hannah said:
“Pride is both a celebration and a statement. It’s about standing in solidarity with a community that still needs support. I think it’s brilliant that Bristol Water support local pride events, I’ve loved seeing the Pride flags around our offices.
“I volunteered on the Water Bar last year and had a great time. It’s fun and a great way to represent the company during an event that really matters.
“I'm part of the LGBTQ+ community so Pride is personal to me. Growing up, my friends and I experienced verbal and physical abuse just for being ourselves.
“Things have improved over the years, there’s been more acceptance and inclusion but I’m very aware that it’s still incredibly tough for many people, especially our trans community. You don’t need to identify as LGBTQ+ to be part of Pride. Showing up as an ally is hugely important and you'll have a great time too!”
The event, being held in Bristol on 12 July, begins with a parade march through town, setting off from Castle Park at 10.45am.
During the afternoon attendees can enjoy a variety of events and performances on The Downs.
The Water Bar, which will be located on The Downs, has three drinking water taps designed for easy access to people of all ages – anyone with a refillable bottle can help themselves.
Daryn Carter, Bristol Pride’s Director of Programming and Partnerships, said:
“We are so excited to once again welcome the Bristol Water Bar to Pride. It's such a fantastic addition to the festival and really popular with those attending.
"It's important for people, especially at festivals, to ensure they drink plenty of water and the Water Bar makes filling up and staying hydrated great fun. And the staff on the day are incredible.
“We can't wait to see it in action at the festival on The Downs on Saturday 12 July.”
