York Pride is set to be bigger, brighter and more family friendly than ever this year – with a packed programme of activities in the dedicated Family Area on the Knavesmire.
The YorkMix Stage, supported by P.J Staffing, will bring a full day of live entertainment, family acts and activities to the area, including free circus skills workshops where children and adults alike can learn something new.
York Pride takes place this weekend, on Saturday 30 May.
P.J Staffing are helping bring YorkMix to Pride this year through their sponsorship of the YorkMix Stage, while also supporting their chosen charity, Candlelighters, ahead of a major Yorkshire-wide fundraising campaign taking place in June during Pink it up week and weekender.
Founder Paul Evans McCallum said supporting people and communities has always been at the heart of the business.
Originally from South Wales, Paul founded Leeds-based P.J Staffing in the early 2020’s, building the events & hospitality recruitment company around a people-first approach. Paul has come from a background of 25 years experience within Hospitality and Recruitment, stepping into the business world back in 2020 just prior to Covid. Now in his 7th year of business, being through a variety of challenges, he keeps community and a people first approach at the forefront of his ambitions.
“For me, it’s about being people first,” said Paul. “Because I’ve worked in hospitality myself, I understand both the customer side and what staff need too.
“The people who work with us are never just a number. If you look after your people, they’ll look after your business.”
As well as supporting the YorkMix Stage, P.J Staffing will also be in attendance during the day in the Family Area to chat to anyone interested in working in hospitality, catering or temporary event roles.
Following the Pride celebrations, P.J Staffing will help launch ‘Pink It Up’ in York – a major Yorkshire fundraising campaign supporting Candlelighters, the charity helping children with cancer and their families.
The annual campaign encourages businesses, landmarks and communities across Yorkshire to ‘turn pink’ and raise both awareness and vital funds for children facing cancer.
This year, some of York’s most recognisable landmarks will light up pink as part of the campaign.
The city’s Bar Walls, Clifford’s Tower, Millennium Bridge, Bootham Bar and Micklegate Bar are all set to glow pink during the ‘Big Pink Lights Switch On’ on Saturday 6 June, helping spread awareness across the city while raising funds for Candlelighters.
The Milner Hotel and Counter Interiors are also joining the campaign, alongside businesses and venues across York and Leeds.
“Pink It Up is all about communities coming together, having fun and supporting families who really need it,” said Paul. “We’re incredibly proud to support Candlelighters and to help bring the YorkMix Stage to York Pride this year.”
York Pride takes place on Saturday 30 May. YorkMix will also be hosting a special pre-Pride party at Thor’s Tipi ahead of the main event.
The York Pride parade leaves York city centre at 12pm, making its way to the Knavesmire for York’s biggest free festival celebration.
Candlelighters are also one of the chosen charities for this year’s YorkMix Hero Awards, with fundraising taking place for both Candlelighters and Family Fund during the awards evening on Friday 5 June.
