Liverpool’s Pride Festival attracted a huge crowd in excess of 21,000 people over the weekend according to festival organisers and Merseyside Police. The two day event, the first of its kind for the city, took two years of planning and preparation.
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On Saturday 7th August, the city was awash with colour as the Rainbow Circus rocked the city centre with a massive celebration. Over 3000 people turned out in colourful costumes to take part in the Pride March, lead by Lord Mayor Hazel Williams, drag queen ‘Lady Sian’ and Chair of Liverpool Pride, Tommy McIlravey. Joining the parade were the family of Michael Causer, the gay teenager who was tragically murdered in the city two years ago.
Lord Mayor Hazel Williams said: “The Pride Festival was a spectacular success and a brilliant way to celebrate the city’s LGBT community. I know the thousands of spectators who turned out to watch enjoyed it just as much as the participants. It is set to become a much anticipated fixture in our calendar of annual events.”Following the March, Dale Street, in the heart of the city’s Gay Quarter set the scene for the glittering Pride party, with performances from former Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt, Atomic Kitten Natasha Hamilton and Cocabelle among the highlights.
After dark, Liverpool’s thriving gay scene kicked into action with a large number of venues holding special Pride events. Club superstar Robin S performed an exclusive after show set to a sold out crowd at Sakura whilst Chew Disco took over Puzzle Bar. Massive club nights kept revellers going right through until 8am in numerous venues including Garlands and GBar.
{pullquote}It’s brilliant to see so many LGBT people come together with the rest of the Liverpool community for a type of party that Liverpool hasn’t seen before.{/pullquote}Following the excitement of Saturday, Chill Out Sunday slowed things down on 8th August. Frank Clarke and actor Tony Forsyth were in attendance for a Q&A at a sold out screening of the 1988 film, The Fruit Machine, held at Picture House @ FACT in conjunction with Clapperboard and Outsiders. Tate Liverpool, The Bluecoat, FACT, The Walker Art Gallery, The Maritime Museum and Bug World also held Pride events especially for the weekend.
James Davies of Liverpool Pride said; ‘It’s brilliant to see so many LGBT people come together with the rest of the Liverpool community for a type of party that Liverpool hasn’t seen before. 21,000 people far exceeded our wildest dreams, we’re so proud of the support that the people of Liverpool have given us, in addition to our funders and sponsors who have been fantastic. We can’t wait to come back and do it all again next year. {sharethis}
