WINSFORD residents pulled out all the stops to celebrate their diversity and individuality in an event where all could ‘wave their flag high and be proud, without fear’.
The sun shone down on the town’s first ever Pride event on Saturday, September 9, in a colourful display of solidarity on Marina Island, attended by hundred of LGBTQ+ residents, their friends, allies, and supporters.
The event featured entertainment from local artist and X-Factor finalist Sophie Bond, ABBA tribute group One More Look, drag queen GemiTy, and star of BBC3’s Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-up Star, Kieran Cox.
There was also food and drinks, stalls, and a wellbeing zone where support charities including the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, MyMind, and Samaritans were on hand to offer their advice to those who needed it.
The event was billed as a time to celebrate society’s progress towards equality for people of every gender and sexuality, whilst acknowledging there’s still work to be done in the fight towards fair and equal treatment for all.
Cllr Stella Mellor, one of the lead organisers, said: “Winsford residents really came through yesterday, all helping make our first ever Pride event a beautful, proud and raging success.
“We are still in shock at how many people came to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
“To see so many young and older LGBTQ+ people and their allies show up and be themselves was one of the most beautiful things we have ever witnessed.
“We are so proud of you all, and that you were able to wave your flags high and be proud without fear. We're so proud they all felt safe enough to do this.
Cllr Lorraine Murphy, who also had a major role in the event’s success, said the council hopes to make Pride a yearly, self-funded, community-lead event, adding: “We want the community more involved, every step of the way.”
“Though this event was incredible, next year's will be better. We hope to carry on giving those who feel they cannot speak up a platform to shout from the roof tops and to raise their flags even higher.
“We’d would love to thank the amazing Kieran Cox, Sophie Bond, One More Look, and the brilliant GemiTy for their amazing performances.
“And a massive, massive thank you to Sarah Rossington and all the town council staff, who truly worked it. And also the Winsford Litter Pickers, and Stacey Hulse from Small Street Markets.
“It would not have been the same without any of you, and you all did Winsford proud.”
Cheshire West and Winsford town councillor, Nathan Pardoe, echoed Cllr Murphy’s call to make Pride an annual event for the town.
He said: "It was great to see so many people enjoying Winsford Pride at the weekend, and I hope it is back next year in partnership with the LGBTQ+ community.
“I'd like to thank Cllr Lorraine Murphy, Cllr Stella Mellor, and the events staff who worked tirelessly on the event, they went above and beyond to make it possible."
Sarah Rossington, events manager at Winsford Town Council, said: "I was blown away with the success of the event.
"It was a pleasure working with all the acts to put Winsford’s first Pride event together. I can’t wait to start planning the next one."
The event’s sponsors included: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service; Cheshire West and Chester Council; Tiger Trailers; Neuromuscular Centre; Technoprint; Compass Minerals; Weaver Vale Housing Trust; Storengy; and Deepstore Records Management.
Winsford town mayor, Cllr Ernie Welch, said: “It was a great first Pride Event for Winsford and it was an honour for me to officially open it.
“Seeing families out in the hot summer sunshine enjoying the entertainment in a safe Enviroment was lovely. All the hard work and effort put in by everyone paid dividends.”
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