Pride organisers 'thrilled' by support

Organisers of the first official Ross-on-Wye Pride event in Herefordshire said they have been "overwhelmed and thrilled" by the support.

The event started at noon on Saturday with a march from the bandstand near the River Wye to the Market Place, before finishing at the Hope & Anchor pub on the banks of the river.

Sam Smith, chair of Ross Pride Connections, said he could not have hoped for a better reaction or turn out.

"I just felt like the whole town came together, got behind us and celebrated with us. It's amazing," he said.

The event was held after a successful trial run of a smaller Pride in the town last year.

Ross Town Council supported the event. Along with providing funding, local businesses were invited to enter a window display competition that was be judged by town's mayor, councillor Sarah Freer.

"It's just been incredible," Smith said.

He said he did know how many people would attend, but was really pleased with the numbers.

"It's our second year running, our first official year, so we've been a bit more proactive about advertising but you never know where that reaches to. So [I'm] overwhelmed. Just thrilled."

Smith was also not aware of any negativity at or around the event which was "fantastic".

He was positive of plans for next year, adding: "I think we're going to have to go again".

"I think we can build on this and the goodwill, hopefully get some more interest from people who have seen us today, the sky's the limit."

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