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3 clusters · 6 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Totnes Castle Pride flag installation controversy

Overview

As part of the Totnes Pride festival, a 150-metre rainbow flag was draped over Totnes Castle in Devon. The installation, titled ‘Capture the Castle’, involved 30 local flag bearers and was supported by English Heritage. Organizers stated the display was intended to show that ‘queer people have always been here and always will be.’

The event, which marked the return of Totnes Pride after a three-year hiatus, drew approximately 400 attendees. While local feedback was reported as largely positive, the display attracted criticism from some residents and political figures. Critics argued the installation undermined the 950-year history of the Grade I listed monument, with Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe MP describing the event on social media as “wildly naff” and “generally vomit-inducing.”

Lowe further characterized the installation as “woke theatre” that “sensible gay people despise.” In response, South Devon MP Caroline Voaden accused Lowe of using “culture-war politics to stoke division.” Totnes Pride facilitator Pulama Kaufman rejected claims of local outrage, maintaining that the community response was “overwhelmingly positive” and describing the installation as a “piece of public art.”

Entities

Totnes Pride · Totnes Castle · English Heritage · Restore Britain · Rupert Lowe

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Totnes Pride flag display sparks political dispute

    A political row has erupted in Devon after Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe criticized a large Pride flag display at Totnes Castle as “vomit-inducing,” prompting a defense from local organizers and an MP.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Totnes Castle Pride flag display draws national attention

    A large Pride flag wrapped around Totnes Castle for the return of Totnes Pride, drawing both local celebration and criticism from Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe MP.

  3. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Totnes Castle draped in massive rainbow flag for Pride

    A massive rainbow flag was wrapped around Totnes Castle in Devon during Pride celebrations, sparking debate between festival organisers and critics regarding the use of historic landmarks.

Sources

gbnews.com · internewscast.com · ivybridge-today.co.uk · kingsbridge-today.co.uk · queerty.com · totnes-today.co.uk

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history