Beth Doherty
A new Salisbury Pride shop has opened on Fisherton Street in the former Hair Extension Cave shop.
Molly Cook owner of the Hair Extension Cave decided to donate the unused shop to Salisbury Pride after she moved into a larger building on Silver Street in April.
“My lease on the Fisherton Street shop is until November. I thought there is no point in having an empty shop – firstly because it looks bad for Salisbury and secondly because why not put someone else in there, especially a charity who can do some good,” explained Molly.
Molly and Cllr Caroline Corbin, one of the organisers of Salisbury Pride came up with the idea of a Pride pop-up shop to help raise funds for this year’s Salisbury Pride Festival.
“We are very grateful to Molly from the Hair Extension Cave for sponsoring us and giving us the opportunity to do this,” said Caroline.
Initially, the shop will open on Saturdays and Sundays, but the charity is looking for volunteers to run the shop during the week.
“We are hoping it will help us to raise some money to finish paying for Salisbury Pride Festival this year, or even towards things for the future because we want to look at lots of development for other events throughout the year,” added Caroline.
The shop will sell anything Pride-related and Pride merchandise.
“If we haven’t got it we can order it for you. We have T-shirts samples you can try and we will make them for you. We have mugs with all the different flags on including allies, LGBT, lesbian and gay. We have shoelaces, sunglasses, hats, umbrellas, lots of flags and beach towels.
“Some of it has got our own logo on it in case people would specifically like to support Salisbury Pride. It’s all very exciting,” added Caroline.
For Molly, this kind of shop is important for Salisbury as it is not only a shop but a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community here.
“It’s a place where people can go to chat or they aren’t sure they can speak to someone who has more knowledge on things. It’s a safe space to go and talk to people,” said Molly.
Caroline added, “This is a shop that was empty and is now filled with a window full of colour. It’s Pride Month after all so it is great to see a shop being used for a great cause.
“If it proves that it is viable then it might be something that we do as a permanent fixture. I am hoping people will see it as a positive for Salisbury.”
Caroline says that Salisbury Pride aims to promote inclusion and diversity for the LGBT community.
“We also go beyond that as well because I think there are so many different people that do feel the benefit of it and last year our event was so successful and welcomed by everybody that it would be great if we could develop this year’s event to be bigger.
“It would be amazing if we could get as much support as possible and it’s another event for Salisbury that can be put on the calendar and people can look forward to it and get involved too.”
This year’s Salisbury Pride Festival will see the fantastic local drag icons Dixie Normous and Aura Jay hosting the event.
In the family zone, there will be a drag queen story hour with princesses attending the event to entertain the children. There will also be a stall selling LGTB clothes plus food vendors and live music.
Salisbury Pride will take place on the 2nd of July at Elizabeth Gardens. Tickets are free.
“Come along, it’s midday until 10pm and there will be something for everyone,” added Caroline.
If you would like to volunteer for Salisbury Pride Festival or in the Salisbury Pride Shop email directors@salisburyprideuk.org
Andy Munns
