Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the much-loved Nottinghamshire Pride was forced to go online for the first time in its history this month. Senior account executive Anastasia Smith explains how we helped to ensure the show’s success by utilising our media relations and producing high-quality social media content.
The show must go on
In May, the Nottinghamshire Pride committee made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s traditional event. However, committed to bring the LGBTQ+ community and its allies together, it announced the show was going online for the first time ever.
In order to get the website ready for hosting the first ever online show, Cartwright gave it a makeover by updating content, news and logos, as well as bios and information from the performing acts and sponsors.
The thrilling event, which was pre-recorded in The Ballroom at Nottingham’s Council House, featured performances and interviews with local activists and city leaders, including actress Vicky McClure, singer-songwriter ROB.GREEN and comedy drag extravaganza the Scream Queenz.
Although the show was broadcast on the Pride website and social media channels, it saw 5,000 viewers across Nottinghamshire celebrate live from the comfort of their own homes – featuring local artists such as Concrete Rose, Harlee Rosanna, Kitty Tray, Miss Bowie, Tash Bird and Titty, as well as a speech from activist Maryam Dim and a poetry recital by Ravelle-Sade.
Although the show was broadcast on the Pride website and social media channels, it saw 5,000 viewers across Nottinghamshire celebrate live from the comfort of their own homes – featuring local artists such as Concrete Rose, Harlee Rosanna, Kitty Tray, Miss Bowie, Tash Bird and Titty, as well as a speech from activist Maryam Dim and a poetry recital by Ravelle-Sade.
Utilising media relations
To ensure the success of the event, Cartwright Communications utilised its existing regional and local contacts, providing them with well-written and detailed content ahead of the show.
From start to finish – Cartwright liaised with regional newspapers and arranged broadcast interviews on platforms such as BBC Radio Nottingham, BBC East Midlands Today, ITV Central, Capital Midlands and Notts TV to name a few.
Website links and social media handles were included in press articles and thousands were gearing up to celebrate Pride 2020 from their living rooms. The press coverage was a huge success – generating a reach of more than 2.7M, with 21 online articles and 12 broadcast pieces.
Creating supporting social content
In the run up to the online event, Cartwright also supported with social media content by creating graphics of this year’s performers to be shared across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
The graphics were really successful and played a key part in spreading the word about the event, reaching and engaging with more than 24,000 people across all Pride’s platforms.
A day to remember
Viewers from across the region came together virtually to be part of the show and support the local vibrant LGBTQ+ community, which was a great success and one to remember.
Leigh Ellis, chairperson of Nottinghamshire Pride, said: “It was great to see that so many people were still keen to take part in Pride this year, despite the limitations we faced. The levels of production and talent that were showcased by all those involved was incredible, and we cannot thank them enough for their tremendous effort in pulling this magnificent spectacle together.
“I’m so pleased we were able to celebrate together in some way this year, especially with such prominent events and conversations currently happening around our trans and black queer communities. There was more cause than ever to celebrate who we are and how far we have come together as a community of LGBTQ+ people and our allies.”
Developer Sladen Estates, which is currently working on two of the East Midlands’ most significant developments, helped to support Nottinghamshire Pride’s online event.
Nick and Julia Sladen, of sponsors Sladen Estates, said: “Feeling part of a wider community is a key part of Pride, so we are absolutely thrilled both as a family and a business to have provided sponsorship to help bring the LGBTQ+ community together at a time when physical meetings are limited. The hard work of all involved is reflected in the fantastic production values and the great reception from the community.
“Every child deserves to see themselves – and their families – reflected in books, art, music and the media they consume, and in the education they receive, so it’s really important that events like Pride continue for generations to come – under any circumstances possible.”
To watch the full recording of Nottinghamshire Pride 2020, please visit: https://bit.ly/NottsPride2020
