The walk starts at 10 am and will last up to two hours. Afterwards, you can enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, camp entertainment, and plenty of fun at the Black Lion in Hammersmith! Those who joined in the last two years know it is one of WLQP’s best events. This year, the 10k Walk is expected to be even bigger and better, with around 500 participants.
A ticket includes entry to the walk and after-party, a Progressive Pride Flag, a WLQP commemorative medal, and a £5 food voucher for the Black Lion, plus a pint of lager or a soft drink.
We spoke to founder of West London Queer Project, Aubrey Crawley, about the 10k Walk and why it’s so important to him..
How important is the 10k Walk?
It’s very important. This is our biggest and most exciting event of the year, celebrating Pride Month and raising awareness for Motor Neurone Disease.
What were the circumstances around you deciding to start this walk?
My colleague Joe and I are both avid walkers, and quite often, instead of having a formal sit-down meeting, we go for a walk and discuss business while walking. WLQP also offers two monthly community walks that usually end up with us all having lunch and drinks together afterwards, so the idea of a “Pride Month 10k Walk & Celebration” came about organically.
It was during the planning of the first event that my friend Zoe was diagnosed with MND, and through her diagnosis, I learned how little I know about this dreadful disease and how little funding and attention it gets. This is when I decided to make it ‘In Aid of MND’.
Is this a fun thing to do?
Yes, it is a lot of fun! We always start off with a very comical warm-up hosted by Beary Poppins (our drag host) and two trainers from The Hogarth Health Club. After that, we set off on a very picturesque walk along the Thames Path through Hammersmith, Barnes, Mortlake, and Chiswick, ending up back in Hammersmith, where a full-on garden party/drag show/sing-along extravaganza awaits!
One of the highlights for me is seeing hundreds of LGBTQ+ people in their colourful outfits and Pride Flags walking along my favourite part of the River Thames, all in solidarity and with joy on their faces.
How can we get involved?
Everyone is welcome, including children and pets, and all you need to do is purchase a ticket and arrive at Lyric Square in Hammersmith from 9 am for a 10 am start. If walking is not your thing, ‘After-Party Only’ tickets are also available on our website.
More details about the 10K Walk
Meeting Point: Lyric Square, Kings Street, Hammersmith
Getting there: Tube: Hammersmith (Piccadilly, District, H/Smith & City). Bus: 33, 72, 209, 283, 419
Registration: 9am to 9:50am
Warm-up: 9:50 am
Start: 10 am
Route: Starting at Lyric Square in Hammersmith, we will make our way down to the River Thames and then cross Hammersmith Bridge. We will follow the Thames Path along the south side of the river, passing by the gorgeous Barnes and Mortlake, before crossing over Chiswick Bridge and returning to the north side of the river. The home stretch will take us along the Thames Path through Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Mall, ending at the Black Lion Pub.
The route will be clearly marked, maps will be available, and marshals will be on duty throughout the walk.
The Celebration
Venue: The Garden @ The Black Lion, Hammersmith, W6
Time: 1 pm to 5 pm
Performers: Vanity Von Glow, Luna Cortez, Brent Would & Beary Poppins (Host).
Fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease Association of West London
Fundraising is not compulsory; however, we would all love for you to help raise funds and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association of West London.
Please use this highlighted link to create your fundraising page.
