REDDITCH town centre came alive with music, colour and dance on Saturday when the annual PRIDE celebrations returned.
Now in its second year, organisers estimate 2,000 people flocked to the Church Green to enjoy a diverse mix of live performances which included Bhangra, Samba, rock choir and drag acts.
Representatives from 22 organisations including West Mercia Police’s PRIDE in West Mercia network were on hand to field questions from the public.
Organiser Joe Baker, who is also leader of Redditch Borough Council, extended a thank you to everyone involved.
“This year’s PRIDE was a massive success and bigger and better than last year.
“The event really showed the great diversity we have here in Redditch and there was lots of positive feedback with people saying how safe and comfortable they felt with something for everyone,” he said.
“PRIDE is about showing solidarity and strength, an example for the many countries that have banned being LGBTQ+.
“We have to remember that some countries carry the death penalty for being gay.”
Organisers are forming a new committee for 2025 and people can email [email protected] to get involved.
Coun Baker was accused on social media over the weekend of forgetting to attend a Saturday morning PACT (Police and Communities Together) meeting at Batchley and Brockhill ward.
He told the Standard it was a ‘straightforward mistake’, adding he had emailed his apologies to the police.
He pointed out that none of the other four councillors (including two county council representatives) involved attended.
