Congleton hosts its first ever parade for Pride
It's part of a day of celebrations around diversity and inclusion
Last updated 21st Jul 2023
Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets of Congleton on Saturday 22nd July 2023 as the town hosts its first ever Pride Parade.
Congleton town centre roads will be closed to allow for a full day of family fun including free live entertainment from outdoor stages and a variety of stalls and activities. Later in the evening there'll also be an 'After Hours' event with tribute acts at the Town Hall.
The festival, which celebrates diversity and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people, starts at 10am with children’s entertainment on the Main Stage in the centre of Congleton, followed by a variety of acts throughout the day both there and on the Community Stage beside the ‘Our Elizabeth’ statue.
Ronan Clayton, Trustee and Chair of Congleton Pride, said “This year we are very excited to announce the addition of a Pride Parade to our day. It will march down from Lawton Street past the Town Hall to the main stage, starting at 11.15am. We hope all of Congleton will come and join in to share this celebration and of course there will be lots for all the family including food, drink and shopping as well as the live shows.”
The Rev. Murray George of Congleton United Reformed Church will be joining the Pride Parade. He commented “I am really delighted that Pride is going from strength to strength in Congleton and has established itself as more than just an annual party, but as a hub of support and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people. I am very much looking forward to the day.”
What's planned for Congleton Pride 2023?
The main stage show will begin with children’s entertainment from Princess Impersonations of Manchester, then the arrival of the Parade led by the Beartown Stompers jazz band, followed by performances from a wide variety of acts including X-Factor’s Andy Hofton, the Gay Gordons dancers, bands Frantic Fridays and Bored Adventures, more dance from LB Dance and Street Dance Academy, and headlined by Lucy Rose as Absolute Britney, all introduced by drag artist Fonda D.
The Community Stage will feature Nick Barnes’ magic show at 11.30am, after which will be a variety of local acoustic artists, school choirs, novelty acts, and speeches from the community, about ‘What Pride Means to Me’.
The evening ‘After Hours’ show is headlined by Madonna tribute act Laura King and features Maria La Rae and Congleton’s own Stella Black.
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