Over 5,000 people gathered together last Saturday (June 6) to celebrate the city’s annual Pride event at West Park to celebrate inclusion, diversity and equality across Wolverhampton.
Organisers say that it was the best attended Wolverhampton Pride so far, with more than 1,000 people entering the Parade and over 5,000 continuing the celebrations at the main event in West Park. The vibrant event featured a colourful parade, live performances, community stalls, quiet spaces and family-friendly activities, all of which helped to create a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike as they came together in celebration and solidarity.
Pride goers saw live performances including P!nk tribute act, Vicky Jackson, The Ultimate Boyband Party Show and Bollyqueer’s Bollywood workshop along with local artists, The Cleopatra Way and Samira Hills. Kaylee Golding, BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter also hosted the event at West Park.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council said: “This year’s Pride was a fantastic event! It was wonderful to see the turnout, the energy of the crowds and the spirit of the community, all of which exceeded our expectations.
“Wolverhampton Pride is so much more than a single day: it is hope, it is visibility and it is community. It’s also a reminder that everyone deserves to be safe, valued and celebrated for who they are and last weekend’s event demonstrated that this is a true Rainbow city.”
Cllr Simkins added: “We want to extend our thanks to all of our sponsors this year, whose contributions meant that we could deliver Pride as a free event.
“A big ‘thank you’ to our co-operative members and everyone behind the scenes, too, who worked tirelessly to deliver this year’s Wolverhampton Pride.” Visitors praised the event, saying that it was “a day they would treasure forever” and thanked organisers for a superb experience, saying that “it truly was a celebration of love, acceptance and inclusivity for all!”
This year’s Wolverhampton Pride sponsors included:
· Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
· Wolverhampton Homes
· University of Wolverhampton
· Enjoy Wolverhampton BID
· Bevan Brittan
· WV Living
· Lockworks Cinema
· Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club
