The streets of Worcester were awash with colour and music as Pride made its long-awaited return to the city.
Having been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, Worcestershire Pride returned on Saturday, bringing hundreds of people to the city centre.
The showpiece parade saw a wide variety of community groups make their way from Cathedral Square to the Cornmarket, where the main festival was held.
Chairman of the event, Mathew Skilbeck, couldn’t be happier with how things went.
He said: “It has been a fantastic turnout.
“We started in 2017, then Covid hit and we had to cancel 2020 and 2021 but we are back with a bang!
“It is great that the momentum and support has carried on throughout the pandemic.
“It is amazing to see everyone here, from ages nought to 90 and just overall so much support from the community.”
Among those showing their support for the event was the Mayor of Worcester, councillor Adrian Gregson, and the city’s MP, Robin Walker.
“Until prejudice goes away, events such as this continue to be so important,” said councillor Gregson.
Mr Walker added: “It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm.
“One of the things that really impresses me is that people of all ages, and from all areas of the county, are taking part.”
A great deal of the youngest attendees at Worcestershire Pride were there representing Hereford and Worcester Scouts.
The group’s assistant county commissioner, Phil Lacey, said: “We had 65 kids sign up to take part in this event, which is our biggest turnout ever!
“It is great to have the festival back.
“People still associate us with the old Boy Scouts but we are really moving forward with the times.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, we welcome everybody and that is an attitude shared by both the leaders and the young people.”
Plenty of other community groups and charities took part in this year’s Pride, including Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
Trust academy director, Kim Sales, said: “I think it is so important to give pride this platform, particularly in a smaller-market city like Worcester.
“We want people to come to our hospitals and feel a sense of belonging.”
Sean Vincent of the Greyhound Trust added: “I didn’t expect to see such a big turnout but it is great!”
Meanwhile, West Mercia chief constable Pippa Mills was attending for the first time since taking on her new role, with police officers providing additional support throughout the day.
“Inclusivity is one of our core values and it is fantastic to be here," she said.
Live music, drag queens and more will continue to entertain the crowds at Cornmarket until 8pm before the official afterparty at The Flag begins at 9pm.
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