One for the history books: Organisers reflect on Swindon and Wiltshire Pride
Those behind this year's event say they were 'touched by the reaction'
Last updated 12th Aug 2024
Organisers behind this year's Swindon and Wiltshire Pride say they were 'touched by the reaction', after 10,000 people descended on GWR Park on Saturday.
They're calling it one for the history books, with the event this year having strong ties to Swindon's tapestried past.
It was at the site all the way back in August 1866, when the Children's Fete took place - a summer event which attracted large crowds and meant the children, including those from the workhouse, could enjoy a day of rides and entertainment.
This ended with the arrival of WWII - but its revival is said to mark the community ambition to retain GWR Park as a 'vital part of the community', something embodied by Pride.
It was the first time Swindon & Wiltshire Pride has been held at the site, which reflected those exact intentions more than 150 years ago to fill it with a sea of colour and noise.
Around 1000 people descended on the Pride March to start the day, with everyone singing and dancing their way from Regent Circus through the town centre before joining the crowds in GWR Park for the main event.
10,000 people joined in the celebrations throughout the day, where two stages of entertainment included Sonia, The Cheeky Girls and The Royal Serenity.
The After Party at Battle Boom Bar continued until the early hours, with a Beyoncé tribute act, drag artist Dixie Normous and DJ Nemz bringing the day-long festivities to a close.
Press Manager Andy Midwinter said, “We are so touched by the reaction we have received, it was heartwarming to see our fans come with us to our new home and fall in love with the venue as much as we have.”
Chairperson Paul Stewart added, “Volunteers are the lifeblood of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride. We are incredibly grateful to every volunteer for their valuable contribution. The committee is made up of volunteers, and together with the volunteers that joined us over the weekend, you’ve helped create a vibrant, inclusive event where everyone can be themselves.”
“We'd also like to thank our main sponsor, Nationwide Building Society, Pride Partners and Supporters, and South Swindon Parish Council for their continued support.”
While every event looks to evolve - and Swindon & Wiltshire Pride have highlighted that with a new, more prominent location for this year due to increased demand over recent years - as the crowds filed out the gates at the end of the night, you’d be forgiven for seeing the similarities aside from sharing the same date. Events of this size require a large group of people to make it happen, and as the organisers start to look ahead to next year, it’s clear that the demand will be as big as ever for it to return
Organisations from all over Wiltshire attended - including the police, whose volunteers flocked to GWR Park to reflect their embrace of inclusion and represntation in the force, and in the wider community.
Wiltshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Debs Smith is the Chief Officer sponsor of the Force’s LGBTQ+ Staff Support Network.
She said: “Pride is all about inclusion and representation – two of our core values at Wiltshire Police.
“The Wiltshire Police contingent who have been engaging with our communities at the event today are all volunteers from our LGBTQ+ Staff Support Network who give up their time to represent the Force.
“At every Pride event in Wiltshire this year, a member of our Chief Officer Group (COG) has attended to show their support and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
“The engagement we get from our local communities at these events is always fantastic and we remain committed to anything which promotes equality and inclusion.
“We must continue to represent all of our communities across Swindon and Wiltshire.”
You can read more about our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion on the Wiltshire Police website.
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