Essex Pride to host march as part of annual celebrations
It's a nod to the fact that pride started as a protest
The organisers of Essex Pride have announced they'll be hosting a march as part of the annual event for the first time.
The event, which takes place Saturday 25th June in Chelmsford, will also feature the Essex Pride Dog Show and performances from local and national drag artists, including RuPaul's Drag Race's Ella Vaday and Vinegar Strokes.
Garry Ormes, who's chair of Essex Pride, says attendees have been requesting a march for years: "One of the things we've always been asked for is a march, because obviously it's parades and marches that really kick started the pride movement and all those changes in society and law.
"So now, we have a march this year! It's taking place through the city centre and will lead us into Central Park, where the Pride Festival itself is happening."
Garry explains the march is inspired by LGBTQ+ history: "It's going to be colourful, meaningful and a celebration or nod to all of those people who have stood before us.
"We're standing on shoulders of those people that have stood against inequality to make a change. Pride, of course started as a protest originally, so it's a definite nod to that."
He says everyone will be welcome at the event, and that people will get different things out of the day: "I think pride means different things to different people depending on where you're at in life.
"For a younger person, it's the opportunity to go along and meet like minded people, make some friends and gain some confidence from that to be yourself - it's a safe space and an opportunity to be out in public.
"I think maybe for an older generation, it could be that we remember the times when it was much darker, and more difficult to be yourself.
"It a recognition and celebration of how far we've come in society... it's making a statement that Essex is a diverse and accepting place to live and it gives a chance for the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone that's an ally or a family member, to come along and say it's fine to be yourself, and that love is love."
For more information, head to the Essex Pride website.