DORSET’S BACK OF BEYOND camping and glamping park says it’s been “bowled over” by the success of its first ever Pride Weekend which drew over 200 guests to the New Forest site.
Now the park’s owners, Victoria and Martin Bowrey, say they have taken the unusual step of scheduling a repeat event in response to the massive demand it created.
Victoria said that entertainment offerings at Back of Beyond more usually revolved around live musical acts and quizzes, some in support of charities.
“But this year, encouraged by a couple of members of our staff, we decided to hold a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, and as always to make it a free event for all our park guests.
“We laid on three days of fabulous entertainment, social get-togethers and music which brought in both local people and guests from hundreds of miles away.
“The highlight had to be one of Britain’s best-known drag queens, Miss Tiffany Wells, who provided gales of laughter and an amazing cabaret based on West End show numbers.
“Overall, it was a great opportunity to celebrate inclusivity, and to underline our commitment to making everyone feel welcome while staying at Back of Beyond,” said Victoria.
It was almost 15 years ago that the Victoria and Martin sold their London photography business and took a gamble on their future by buying a campsite in Ringwood.
The aim, said Victoria, was to run a sustainable holiday park for nature-loving guests in a part of the country where she and Martin often enjoyed camping breaks.
The adults-only park has since won a host of regional and national tourism awards, including a top five-star platinum quality grading from the AA.
Staying options range from camping, caravan and motorhome pitches to luxury glamping accommodation including timber pods, yurts and en-suite shepherd huts.
“Our entertainment evenings are always popular, but we prefer to remain true to the tranquil nature of the park and only host occasional events,” said Victoria.
“We don’t tend to plan too far ahead as we like to mix things up a bit – but with the Pride Weekend we have decided to make an exception,” said Victoria.
“The first weekend in June 2027 is now firmly in the diary for another event, so people will have plenty of time to make plans – and once again it will be completely free to our guests.
“We’d say to anyone, if you enjoy fun, laughter, and a great social vibe in a positive atmosphere, come along and be part of it!” added Victoria.
Back of Beyond belongs to the exclusive Tranquil Parks consortium of independent parks, and is an active member of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA).
There is more information about the park, and a regularly updated list of its themed weekends, at www.backofbeyondtouringpark.co.uk