THE organisers of Basingstoke's first Pride have hailed the event as a success.
Basingstoke was bursting with Pride on Saturday, August 17, as the town turned into a rainbow of colour.
The inaugural Pride event, which was attended by Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy and the deputy mayor, Cllr Colin Phillimore, saw a vibrant parade wind through town to Festival Place’s Amphitheatre and the enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a fully BSL-signed line-up of multiple artists, free family-friendly activities and stalls.
READ MORE: First Basingstoke Pride parade march fills town centre with joy and colour
The morning kicked off with music from Basingstoke Community Radio, with RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Crystal then leading the parade through the town with live music from London Pop Brass Party Band, alongside colourful walkabout act The Stylists, and performers from the Late Night Assembly cabaret show.
Basingstoke’s first Pride parade was organised by Basingstoke Pride CIC with support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and National Lottery.
SEE MORE: 'It is amazing': Pride all around as community celebrates diversity and equality
Mia and Vee, directors of Basingstoke Pride CIC, said: “What a fantastic event! Our first Pride parade was everything we wanted it to be – fun, inclusive, and family-friendly. We're so thrilled that everyone loved it. We couldn't have delivered the day without our wonderful organisation team and volunteers.
“Drag Race superstar Crystal was spectacular, and she had support from a delightful line-up of performers, artists, and stallholders.
“We hope that Basingstoke Pride will lay the foundation for growth of the LGBTQ+ community within the town and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for 2025.”
Festival Place marketing manager, Sian Fisher, added: “Our Amphitheatre was the perfect place to end the flamboyant parade, and it was brilliant to see people of all ages celebrating inclusivity in our community and enjoying all the free activities on the day."
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