Blackpool goes pink with Pride
Always famed for its campness, Blackpool wore its Pride on its sleeve, shorts or Rainbow Boa this weekend as the town held its very first pride event, writes Paul Hunt.
Despite some rather mixed weather the Gay Pride Parade wound its way along the seafront, displaying a colourful mix of characters. Most of the local Gay venues were represented, including Basil Newby and his team from ITP Leisure, owner of Funny Girls and the Flamingo.
The procession, led by the Lord and Lady Mayoress, included a team of gay and lesbian Bikers a local line dancing group.
Pink was definitely the colour of the day as Pride participants travelled from most parts of the UK to witness Blackpool’s very first outing.
Following the parade, hundreds flocked to the main stage arena to witness the like of The Cheeky Girls, Hannah Jones and Hazel Dean belt out some excellent new and favourite songs. Several local bands also appeared.
With stands, a wrestling competition and a mass blessing on Sunday evening, organisers say the weekend was a complete success and will build upon this in the coming years in order to establish the resort well and truly on the Pride Calendar.
