- Portsmouth Historic Quarter partnered with Fighting with Pride to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the lifting of the “gay ban” in the military, by wrapping Landing Craft F8 in Pride colours
- CEO of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, Hannah Prowse, will be at Southampton International Boat Show on Friday 19th September to talk about the project’s significance
- Landing Craft F8 will be available for people to ride at the show from 19th – 28th September, for just £20 per person
[Image caption: Landing Craft F8 docked in the pontoons at Boathouse 4 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard]
Portsmouth Historic Quarter is exhibiting at the Southampton International Boat Show with the now-viral, Pride-inspired Landing Craft F8, available to ride for just £20pp on 19th – 28th September.
This is one of the public’s final opportunities to see and ride Landing Craft F8 in her Pride colours, and they can book a ride at the boat show at Pontoon M830.
Originally deployed during the Falklands War, the naval vessel has been temporarily wrapped in Pride colours to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the lifting of the “gay ban” in the British military, in partnership with military LGBTQ+ charity, Fighting with Pride.
CEO of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, Hannah Prowse, will be at the Cockpit Stage on Friday 19th September at 1.45 – 2.15pm to discuss the project’s significance, why remembering this part of history remains vital today and the role Portsmouth Historic Quarter plays in bringing stories like this to light.
Hannah Prowse, said: “This is our 4th year exhibiting at Southampton International Boat Show and it’s such a pleasure to be able to bring impactful pieces of naval history like this to the show.
“This was the first time in British history a war vessel has been wrapped in Pride colours, and in the wake of the widespread press coverage of the project’s launch, hundreds of LGBTQ+ Veterans came forward to claim reparations through the Government’s LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme.
“We’re extremely proud of the impact that Landing Craft F8 in her Pride colours has had on the LGTBQ+ community and the awareness that has been raised around this important part of naval history.
“Younger generations have quite rightly grown up acknowledging the fact that LGBTQ+ individuals are allowed their place in society and in our armed forces as normal. We believe it’s important to highlight how recently-won these freedoms are.
“For anyone who’d like to learn more about this part of military history and the purpose behind wrapping Landing Craft F8 in this way, I’d encourage you to pay us a visit at Southampton International Boat Show.”
Proceeds from Landing Craft F8 charters at the show will go back into maintaining her and Portsmouth Historic Quarter’s collection of historic craft, ensuring they can be enjoyed by generations to come.
High Speed Launch 102 will also be at Southampton International Boat Show and available to ride for £130pp. Commissioned in 1936, HSL 102 is the only functional 100 class high speed, air-rescue launch to exist today and is cared for and maintained by Portsmouth Historic Quarter
Pride-inspired F8
Landing Craft F8 was built in 1959 and was one of 12 landing craft deployed during the Falklands War, when the “gay ban” was still in place. It was used to bring troops ashore from San Carlos Water.
Landing craft like F8 and today’s LGBTQ+ veterans share a symbolic connection through their key involvement in the 1982 Falklands War. By showcasing Landing Craft F8 in Pride colours, Portsmouth Historic Quarter pays tribute to those who served in silence or suffered consequences for their sexuality.
Portsmouth Historic Quarter has taken meticulous care of Landing Craft F8 since she was acquired in 1994, and undertook a restoration project in 2018 to bring her back to life for the public to enjoy today and for years to come.
The charity aims to use its custody of heritage assets – such as Landing Craft F8 – to shed light on the past, inform our present and help shape the future.
To those interested in finding out more about the project, head to the Portsmouth Historic Quarter website: https://portsmouthhq.org/projects/f8-pride-project
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Notes to editors:
Hannah Prowse will be at Southampton International Boat Show on Friday 19th September and available for interviews.
For further press information & interviews contact:
Yasmine Triana | Dylan Smart | Rohan Sangha
Rooster.
T: +44 (0)203 440 8930 / +44 (0)7709 524559
E: [email protected]
W: www.rooster.co.uk
About Portsmouth Historic Quarter:
Portsmouth Historic Quarter is responsible for the buildings, heritage craft and spaces in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and at Priddy’s Hard in Gosport. We curate the historic quarter of the city as a leading cultural and heritage destination. With the free Historic Quarter Pass, we invite everyone to enjoy our places, spaces, exhibitions, and activities. Those who wish to delve deeper can visit ticketed attractions through our partners at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. At Priddy’s Hard, we are working with tenants and partners to develop a thriving creative and cultural community.
To find out more, visit: https://portsmouthhq.org/
