Art installation could be compromise to new rainbow crossing idea in Windsor

A Royal Borough councillor has suggested creating a temporary art installation as a compromise to an idea to install a rainbow crossing in Windsor.

The team at Windsor & Eton Pride are gearing up for an action-packed inclusive community event with live acts, a pride village and a parade along The Long Walk on Saturday, July 26.

Earlier this month, a post was put up on the Windsor & Eton Pride Facebook page asking if the team were to campaign for a rainbow crossing to be installed, where people think the best location would be.

The post has garnered more than 280 comments and over 75 reactions.

While ‘in the majority’ these have been supportive of the idea, some people have been against it and other have also raised safety concerns.

Steve Harris, chairperson of Windsor & Eton Pride, said: “It’s a great idea.

“I thought I’ll just post it on socials and see what happens. In terms of locations – I don’t know about where to put it, but Alexandra Gardens – that crossing would be wicked.”

Commenters also shared the same sentiments and suggested an array of locations around Windsor including the crossing outside the Guildhall, the crossing between the library and Bachelors Acre and outside Windsor Castle on the High Street.

Ideas to install rainbow crossings in both Windsor and Maidenhead have been suggested previously.

But plans were abandoned after the results of a public consultation found 82 per cent of those responding said they did not want a themed crossing.

At the time, Cllr Josh Reynolds (Lib Dem, Furze Platt) who originally suggested the idea of a themed crossing in Maidenhead, said he believed residents were reacting to the £8,000 cost, rather than objecting to the message of diversity.

Steve said: “I think it would be brilliant especially when you look at how many other towns that have a pride event where, as a bit of a nod to that pride event, they’ve gone and put a crossing in.”

They added: “I think if it’s done as a community project, then it would keep a lot more people happy.

“We know how knackered Windsor and Maidenhead council is with money, let’s not impact that by doing this and causing upset, so if we can fundraise to do it, then game on.

“They might need to maintain it, once we’ve fundraised to do it – give it a lick of paint every couple of years or so.” Cllr Amy Tisi (Lib Dem, Clewer East) said she is ‘proud and excited’ that the town will host its pride event.

“Displaying the rainbow is a joyful and powerful symbol of celebration, inclusivity, and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

“At the same time, I have also heard concerns raised by some residents over the safety and cost of permanent rainbow road crossings.

“Perhaps a compromise could be a temporary art installation in a prominent and accessible location.

“This would be mindful of safety concerns and avoid ongoing maintenance costs to the council at a time of financial restraint. I would be very happy to facilitate discussions between Pride organisers and council officers.”

Steve said he has since spoken with Cllr Tisi, and is supportive of some the alternative ideas mentioned.

Discussing the upcoming Windsor & Eton Pride, Steve said preparations are ‘going well’ and guests can expect a range of treats including a Chappell Roan tribute act headlining, and an Adele tribute act performing.

There will be a host stalls in the pride village, Just May from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and performers will also include the Dani Harmer Academy of Performing Arts.

For more information about the Pride event visit: www.windsorpride.co.uk