City hosts free Pride celebrations

2 hours ago

Andy GiddingsWest Midlands

The event started with a parade through the city centre

BBC A gathering of people wearing purple and other brightly coloured clothing, walking in the street with rainbow flags — The event started with a parade through the city centre

Wolverhampton has held a Pride celebration including a parade and a free event in West Park on Saturday.

The parade set off from Victoria Street at 13:00 BST and then continued around the town centre.

The West Park event, hosted by Kaylee Golding from BBC Radio 1Extra, started at 14:00 BST and was set to continue until 20:00 BST.

The city council said there would be a "full programme" of entertainment, including a number of musical acts, food and funfair rides.

One of the people taking part, Riile Pour, said: "It's about celebrating the love you have for each other. It's about coming together and being together as a community."

Cindy Boa said the event was also about "being your true self" and being able to "express what you need to express".

Cindy Boa (left) and Riile Pour said the event gave them the chance to be their true selves

A drag queen with blonde hair and a red dress, next to a drag queen with grey hair and a black dress in a large crowd of people — Cindy Boa (left) and Riile Pour said the event gave them the chance to be their true selves

Clo told the BBC the day was important because it showed young people "there are queer people in the community that are out and proud and walking around and just having a really good time".

Hayley said: "Everyone can be themselves, everyone's included, everyone's invited, everyone's welcome and everyone can come and celebrate."

Hayley (left) and Clo said the event showed the city was multicultural and diverse

A woman with blonde hair, tattoos and a purple tshirt alongside a woman with pink hair, sunglasses, and a multicoloured leopard-print top — Hayley (left) and Clo said the event showed the city was multicultural and diverse

Stephen Simkins, the leader of the city council, said: "Pride is one of those days when Wolverhampton really shows itself at its best – inclusive, open, and proud of the different communities that call the city home."

The West Park celebration was originally due to be a paid event, but the council said it was able to make it free, because of "strong levels of sponsorship".

People who already bought tickets have been offered a refund.