'Incredible' reaction to town's first ever Pride

7 July 2024

Dave Gilyeat,BBC Southand

Sue Paz,BBC South

News image — Sherborne Pride included a parade, a party in Pageant Gardens and street markets

BBC A drag queen walks down the parade in a black corset spreading golden wings — Sherborne Pride included a parade, a party in Pageant Gardens and street markets

The organiser of a rural town's first Pride event has described the community's reaction as "incredible".

Sherborne Pride kicked off at 10:00 BST on Sunday and included a parade, a party in Pageant Gardens and street markets.

Founder Sadie Wilkins said: "The community reaction has been incredible. This Pride belongs to the town, I just helped it happen."

A special concert featured Vicki Vivacious from RuPaul’s Drag Race, ska band The Beat and headliner Janice Robinson, known for her hit song I'm A Dreamer.

Sherborne Pride A woman raises a Pride flag on the mast above Sherborne Abbey, the town skyline behind her, a blue sky with clouds above — The Pride rainbow flag was raised on top of Sherborne Abbey ahead of the event

Members of Sherborne Bounce drum on small circular trampolines outside The Cross Keys pub, which has a Pride flag hanging on it — Sherborne Bounce took to the streets to drum on their trampolines

The former singer of 90s group Livin' Joy said headlining the event felt "amazing".

She said: "To actually receive the title of headliner is an achievement in my career that I’m always proud to have.

"Being an ally for the past 30-plus years in this community means the world to me, so, when they call me and it’s their first Pride, I have to show up.

"It’s a real honour for me."

Janice Robinson sings into a microphone as she stands on the bandstand in Pageant Gardens. She is wearing a diamante-style skull cap, black gloves, a black top with a black fur-look shrug over her shoulders. — Headliner Janice Robinson on the bandstand in Pageant Gardens

Seven friends, flanked by stilt walkers, pose in front of a large colourful Pride banner in a park — Phoenix Dewberry (fourth from left, including the stilt walker) said it was "spectacular" seeing everyone celebrate Pride

The event aims to celebrate Dorset's diverse community "in full colour, with a message of love, acceptance and inclusivity".

The parade saw Cheap Street lined with cheering onlookers in rainbow colours, while pop-up performances took place around town by the likes of Sherborne Bounce, Merriott Majorettes and Sherborne Rock Choir.

Ms Wilkins said: "Doing this has meant that the people in society who feel like they are different and not accepted for whatever reason, the people who are scared to be their authentic selves, can see themselves in others and feel accepted and like they belong.

"Visibility is everything."

Smiling women in a vintage VW van, adorned with balloons and pride flags — The event's message is one of "love, acceptance, and inclusivity"

Lux Angelsong, who travelled from Crewkerne in Somerset, described the day as "pretty incredible".

Lux added: "It’s such a big step forward for a smaller town, an amazing thing to accomplish... [I’m looking forward to] all the colours, and everybody being themselves. I just think that’s fantastic."

Lux Angelsong smiles for the camera on the street where the Pride parade is taking place. Lux has pink hair and circular glasses. — Lux Angelsong described the event as a "big step forward for a smaller town"

Phoenix Dewberry, a Sherborne resident, said: "It’s absolutely spectacular seeing everyone here today.

"It’s definitely something that’s been needing to happen for so long. It’s so incredible to see the turnout.

"It’s really important for people like me, my partner, my family, so many friends, seeing not only people in our community attending of all kinds of ages, but also people supporting us.

"It’s a time when we need that so much. It is our lives, our wellbeing, and it’s beautiful. We love the colour, we love the glitter."

Edward Morello smiles into the camera. He is wearing a cream suit with a white shirt with no tie as he stands in the middle of a busy park of Pride revellers — Edward Morello, West Dorset’s first Liberal Democrat MP, called it a "fantastic event"

Edward Morello, West Dorset’s first Liberal Democrat MP, who overturned a large Conservative majority at the general election, also joined the revellers at Pride.

He said: "The organisers should be so immensely proud of what they’ve achieved, just to see so much of Sherborne turn out for this fantastic event.

"It’s an absolute vindication of all their hard work, it’s brilliant."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.