Three months before UK Pride comes to Portsmouth, local radio station Express FM is strengthening ties with Portsmouth Pride by relaunching and extending its weekly show for the city’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Ryan Cable will front a new Saturday night Express Pride each week, 7pm-9pm, with regular co-hosting from Co-Chair of Portsmouth Pride CP Robinson. The programme will feature music from community artists and allies as well as guest interviews.
Of the 260+ community-run Pride organisations across the UK, Portsmouth Pride won the bid to host UK Pride in 2025 and the celebrations will take place on Southsea Common on Saturday 7th June.
Ryan said: “I’m really excited to become the new host of Express Pride!
“With the show extending we get to shout about the LGBTQ+ community even more and having CP co-hosting this will allow the show to work more closely with Portsmouth Pride particularly when the city is hosting UK Pride 25!”
CP said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team at Express FM for Express Pride, not only because I never turn down the chance to talk more about the amazing work of Portsmouth Pride but also personally it’s a real honour to have been invited and keep representing the LGBTQ+ community.
“Spreading the message of all the work of the pride movement across the country is a real privilege and now getting to do that through amazing music as we ramp up to Portsmouth hosting UK Pride in 2025 is going to be a true treat!”
Express FM Content Manager Harrison RB said: “Reflecting and celebrating the diverse culture of our city is at the core of Express FM’s mission and we’re delighted to be relaunching an extended Express Pride show on Saturday nights ahead of UK Pride coming to Portsmouth this summer.
“ONS data shows Portsmouth is above the UK average for residents who identify as LGBTQIA+ and Portsmouth Pride is one of our most valued community partners.
“To have Ryan, a familiar and esteemed Express FM presenter, front the show as well as regular co-hosting from CP is really exciting and I can’t wait for what they are going to bring to the party.
“I’d like to pay tribute to the outgoing presenter, Josh Bowness, who is still very much part of the team but also taking up huge new media ventures. He has taken Express Pride to a whole new level and we’re all proud to work alongside him.”
The all new Express Pride with Ryan Cable launches at 7pm on Saturday 8th March.
