‘Tree of Pride’ set to return to Westgate Oxford next weekend
In celebration of Pride Month this June, Westgate Oxford is hosting its ‘Tree of Pride’, following a successful debut in 2023. The Oxford-based shopping centre is inviting visitors to decorate the tree with their pledges to work toward a more inclusive and caring future.
The community art piece will be touring the country gathering the public’s messages of love, unity, and acceptance on its journey. Guests are encouraged to commit to one of the suggested pledges or to leave a positive sentiment that feels appropriate to them, such as a dedication to a loved one.
The Tree of Pride will be at Westgate Oxford on 8th and 9th June, and the public are invited to participate from 10am – 6pm on Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sunday.
What’s more, Westgate Oxford will be welcoming Oxford Pride’s official Pride Day celebrations on 8th June. The Oxford Pride Parade will lead to the Community Stage and market stalls, located on Leiden Square at the heart of the shopping centre. The Community Stage will see a range of talented local performers entertaining Westgate Oxford’s guests from 12pm-6pm, including the Oxford Drag Collective.
Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said: “After so many visitors left messages of inclusivity and positivity last year, we knew that we had to bring the Tree of Pride back for Oxford Pride 2024. We look forward to seeing the tree bloom with inspirational messages next weekend.
“We celebrate our wonderfully diverse community all day, every day, and Pride Month is an opportunity to put a spotlight on progress made so far, and the work still to be done.”
For more information on Westgate Oxford, visit www.westgateoxford.co.uk
ENDS
For further information, please email westgate@umpf.co.uk, or call on 0800 4 10 20 10.
Notes to Editors
The suggested ‘Tree of Pride’ pledges are:
- Homophobia and transphobia can come in the forms of obvious abusive behaviour, but also subtle ways like stereotyping. Call out this behaviour if it’s safe to do so, or report it to the relevant authority. For example correct your friends or family if they’re using outdated terms or inform a member of staff if you hear abusive language on public transport.
Offensive and inappropriate language does not need to be targeted at a present individual and it is not only the responsibility of the victim only to report abuse. We can all be the change. - Inclusive language helps everyone feel united and is one of the quickest and simplest changes you can make.
For example addressing a group with “Hi all/ team / everybody” instead of “Hi Guys/Ladies/ Gentlemen”.
Why not add your pronouns to your email address and social media profiles? Normalising the use of pronouns such as “he/him” or “they/them” makes for a more welcoming environment for transgender and non-binary people. Language is constantly evolving in all areas of life, so there’s no reason not to use LGBTQIA+ language correctly, we can all be the change. - There are plenty of great resources online which can be educational and inspiring at the same time. For example you could spend some time reading about the incredible history of LGBTQIA+ activism and the struggles the community faced, to understand why Pride month is so important.
You could also find out about events, marches and ways you can volunteer to support your local Pride organisations. How about reading an online glossary of common LGBTQIA+ terms to ensure you’re speaking to friends, family or colleagues in the most respectful way. Everyone has access to learn more, we can all be the change.
Westgate Oxford
Westgate Oxford is a modern retail and leisure destination, attracting world-class retailers and leisure facilities to the historic city of Oxford. With over 100 global brands and 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, Westgate Oxford offers a unique retail experience in the heart of Oxford.
Find out more at www.westgateoxford.co.uk
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At Landsec, we strive to connect communities, realise potential and deliver sustainable places.
As one of the largest real estate companies in Europe, our portfolio of well-connected retail, leisure, workspace and residential hubs. From the iconic Piccadilly Lights in the West End and the regeneration of London’s Victoria, to the creation of retail destinations at Westgate Oxford and Trinity Leeds, we own and manage some of the most successful and memorable real estate in the UK.
We aim to lead our industry in critical long-term issues – from diversity and community employment, to carbon reduction and climate resilience. We deliver value for our shareholders, great experiences for our customers and positive change for our communities.
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