Glastonbury's first Pride event hailed as a success
By Emma Dance
25th Jul 2022 | Local News
Glastonbury's first Pride event has been hailed as a success.
An estimated 200-300 people turned out for the event on Sunday, July 17 in a show of solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community.
Crowds gathered at the Market Cross, before parading up to the Fair Field. Performers included Glastonbury Border Morris, Faux Bojo, Molly James, EarthQuake Samba Band and Dragon Drummers.
There was also poetry from Beki Nagle (Elder Bard), Gerry Barnett (Elder Bard), Michelle Diaz (Chaired Bard of Glastonbury), Rachael Clyne, Tony Atkinson (Elder Bard), Karen Shoemark and Katze Noir.
Organiser Stevie Coles said: "It was just as good as I could have hoped for.
"The town square was full of people, and I'm really grateful for all the support I got.
"The response was so overwhelmingly positive, and it was great to have the churches involved – they were brilliant."
Although the event was just one day, Stevie hopes that its success will send a year-round message that Glastonbury is a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Stevie said: "The fact that it went so well, and had so much support really sends a message all year round that the LGBTQ+ community has support, and shows that this town is a safe space.
"It shows that if you are a LGBTQ+ person here in town you have allies, and this is a supportive community for you.
"I think that part of the reason so many people and organisations wanted to be involved was as a way of sending a message that they are supportive."
And it is hoped that there will be another Pride event next year, to build on this year's success.
"The plan was always to start something that we could keep going," said Stevie. "We just kept it fairly simple to see what the response was, and how many people wanted to get involved.
"People are already asking about next year, and there were so many things that we couldn't fit in this year that I hope will want to be involved next year."
Pride Glastonbury raised around £300 for the charities Mermaids and The Trevor Project and also for funds to help organise next year's event.
Anyone who would like to be involved next year should follow the Glastonbury Independent Alliance Facebook page.
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