Avanti West Coast has launched the UK’s first fully wrapped Pride train, staffed entirely by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The UK’s very first, rainbow-covered Pride train set off from London this morning, later arriving at Manchester Piccadilly on its first official service.
Our Pride train has just departed for its first official journey from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly. The train is serviced by our full LGBTQ+ crew, creating not just a Pride train, but a Pride experience 🌈 #LiveProudhttps://t.co/q0gpxeoTcT pic.twitter.com/m1tZTQ4wG6
— Avanti West Coast (@AvantiWestCoast) August 25, 2020
Avanti West Coast were set to support various Pride events this year, but since they’ve been cancelled due to COVID-19, the train operator took celebrations into their own hands. In the most spectacular fashion, they’ve fully covered one of their trains with the most recent iteration of the Pride flag, which includes black, brown, light blue, pink and white, representing people of colour, transgender people and those living with or who have been lost to HIV/AIDS. The first official service was also staffed by an entirely LGBTQ+ crew.
SEE ALSO: Manchester Pride Festival Has Been Pushed Back To 2021
Avanti West Coast are wholeheartedly committed to diversity and inclusion, and wanted the train to represent everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Introducing our Pride train 🌈
We are proud and excited to show off our colours as our Pride train officially launches. The train will be a permanent part of our fleet and is just the beginning of our commitment to diversity and inclusion ❤ #LiveProudhttps://t.co/q0gpxeoTcT pic.twitter.com/d3htezPSLt
— Avanti West Coast (@AvantiWestCoast) August 25, 2020
The train is 11 carriages long, measuring in at 265 metres, and it certainly made a fabulous statement as it drove from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly today (Tuesday, August 25).
The Pride train will become a permanent part of the Avanti West Coast fleet, and they’re offering the public the chance to name it. You can submit your suggestions on the Avanti West Coast website here.
SEE ALSO: An Epic Weekender Of LGBT Celebrations Is Set To Take Over Amsterdam Next Year