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'Authentic Cumbrian weather' fails to dampen Pride

Sarah Hewitt Women in red vests and rainbow sashes bang drumsSarah Hewitt
Kendal Pride 2024 was held in "authentic Cumbrian weather"

More than 800 people have taken part in a Cumbrian town's Pride events over the weekend.

Organisers of Kendal Pride said rain failed to deter people from attending events including walks, yoga, a "proud pooches" dog show and performances from drag queens and kings.

Jamie Hooper, chair of the organising group, said the three-day event had been "wonderful", adding: "We're thrilled that so many people turned out in the authentic Cumbrian weather to celebrate pride together."

Photographer Sarah Hewitt shared some of her pictures from the celebration.

Sarah Hewitt A small dog with a rainbow bandana around its neckSarah Hewitt
A show of "proud pooches" was held at Kendal Pride in collaboration with Animal Rescue Cumbria
Sarah Hewitt A drag queen with a blue beard claps above their headSarah Hewitt
The weekend saw performances from drag queens...
Sarah Hewitt Two drag kings (women dressed as men) with a rainbow umbrellaSarah Hewitt
...and drag kings
Sarah Hewitt Four women stand under umbrellasSarah Hewitt
Organisers said Kendal Pride was a "thoroughly Lakeland affair"
Sarah Hewitt Two older men in floral shirts and colourful hatsSarah Hewitt
More than 800 people are estimated to have taken part in events
Sarah Hewitt People in a circle clap their handsSarah Hewitt
Rain failed to dampen spirits
Sarah Hewitt Two people with microphones talk to each otherSarah Hewitt
There were also talks, and a book featuring 10 stories from local people was published
Sarah Hewitt Two people applaud beneath an umbrellaSarah Hewitt
Pride is a celebration of the LGBT+ community
Sarah Hewitt A man in a red sequin jumpsuit and beret pulls a poseSarah Hewitt
The festival was funded by Arts Council England, National Lottery Awards for All, Kendal Town Council, Kendal Business Improvement District and Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

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