Nottingham's Pride festival brings colour to the city's streets
SPIRITS ran high at this year's Nottingham Pride festival on Saturday.
The cloudy skies had no chance of dulling the colour at one of the most vibrant parades the city has seen.
-
Peaceful event: Revellers pose with police on duty at the Nottingham Pride event at the Forest recreation ground. (from left) Special Insp Simon Squire, Special Sgt Lisa Davis, Special Sgt Paul Allen and Special Constable Steven Phillips.
Run for the second consecutive year, the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community marched from the Arboretum bandstand to the Forest recreation ground, the new event's venue.
Led by marching band the Nottingham Tartanaires, the throng moved to versions of I Need A Hero and Hungry Like The Wolf, among other camp classics.
Standing tall were Pride regulars Crystal Solomon, of Mansfield, and Lucy Arnold, of Hyson Green.
"Pride will bring awareness to Nottingham of other people like us," Lucy said.
"We're here to have a good time and meet different people."
Paul Underwood, 28, of Top Valley, was dressed in a camouflage outfit, as was Gary Slater, 25, of Carlton.
Paul said: "We came as sailors last year so it was soldiers this time."
Gary said: "We came for the march and its good to see it getting bigger."
Thousands of festival goers were treated to a bill headlined by The Cheeky Girls.
Sponsors and organisations there included Nottingham City Council, Notts Fire and Rescue Service, the University Hospitals, Unison, the Co-op, the University of Nottingham and West Notts College.
A group of ten protesters carrying anti-gay placards were the only negative aspect.
Festival goer Jen O'Kane, 35, of Broxtowe, said: "We've been fighting for gay rights for 20 years. If people are protesting against us, then it's disgusting really."
Visitors Ben Brown and Liz "Robin Hood" Thomas, both 19, of Ashby, Leicestershire, gave their seal of approval, saying: "It's great to be with so many like-minded people. We love Pride in Nottingham."
Chief Inspector Andy Burton said: "A small protest was formed near to the main event site but this passed off peacefully and respectfully and was over by midday. For the rest of the event, I am pleased to say that bar two arrests, everyone who attended appeared to be in very good spirits and enjoyed the festivities."
One man was arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed pending further enquiries.
A youth was arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife.
65 Comments
View all
by phillip, Nottingham
Monday, August 09 2010, 8:20PM
“Yes Mad B it is the minority, but lets not forget that the National Socialists were once the minority in Germany. And yes lets look at some Christians and other religious and political groups demonstrating against homosexuality.
Have you got a link for us?”
by Derrick, Bulwell
Friday, August 06 2010, 8:43AM
“How very sad.”
by Rachel Sparkle, New Basford
Friday, August 06 2010, 12:15AM
“Pity I didn't get my picture took but I wasn't down there 'til 3.30 and the E.P. photographers probably left by 1pm.
Anyway further to other comments, it's difficult being a tranny aswell as everyone assumes you are gay, which I think is unfair as I'm not.
And I tranny regularly up and down Sherwood, so everyone can realise trannies are not wierdos, just have a fem side and want to feel good when they go out.
Rachel x”
by Dave Quinn, Bulwell
Thursday, August 05 2010, 3:14PM
“As a straigt guy who attended this years Pride I must say how friendly and pleasant I found the event.
Looking forward to next years event, which I intend to take my children too. Its time we all accepted that not everyone is the same and we should celebrate the diversity of our society.
Gay, Straigt, Bi, Black, White, disables or able bodied. we are all human beings and repect should be the watchword.”
by Mel, Derby
Wednesday, August 04 2010, 1:11PM
“If ur against gay's n don't want to see the gay pride, don't look n don't attend. Simple as! Straight people dress n act how ever they like, so why can't gay people? Not all straight people walk around lookin like dirty scruffy chavs, n not all gay people walk around half naked wearin flambouyant outfits. Everybodys different so just accept it! N as for moanin about who's paid for it??!! There are fundraisers held for months before pride to help pay for it. Plus i'd like to say that most of us work towards the tax that also helps pay for it. As well as payin tax towards all u dole scum to go sit in wetherspoons every dole day!!!”
by David, Nottingham
Tuesday, August 03 2010, 5:03PM
“"As to whom paid for this festival - Nottingham Pride did. Every penny, including the policing costs etc.
No public money is used"
Nottingham Pride has historically been funded by Nottingham City Council's Single Gateway Unit.
If this funding has now been withdrawn I would expect it to have been widely reported as was the case when Doncaster's mayor reviewed their funding of Pride.”
by MissEmVee, Nottingham
Tuesday, August 03 2010, 2:12PM
“As to whom paid for this festival - Nottingham Pride did. Every penny, including the policing costs etc.
There is fundraising throughout the year to arrange and cover all costs and people work hard to make it happen. No public money is used and the committee who arrange it are all un paid volunteers.
So I really can't see what people are complaining about. If you want your own particular march/festival then just arrange it and you can have whatever you want!”
by Joy, Nottingham
Tuesday, August 03 2010, 10:41AM
“MadBager, to answer your question I am opposed to extremism and intolerance wherever it comes from. The rise of the Christian Right is of course a concern and I would urge such people to learn tolerance and understanding.”
by Bob, Nottingham
Tuesday, August 03 2010, 7:42AM
“Go and have a lie down and a cup of tea MadBadger.
When have I ever said anything against gay people?
Go and consult your 'Little Red Handbook' for further guidance.”
by Proper Englishman, England
Tuesday, August 03 2010, 2:02AM
“I like Morris Dancing, paganism and sacrificing little boys. Oh, I also like the BNP, the English party! Who fancies a dabble?”