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Over 2,000 people march for Notthingham Pride

Over 2,000 people march for Notthingham Pride

The annual Pride celebration took part on Saturday, 25th July and to kick start the event members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer community (LGBTQ) marched through the city centre.

A sea of rainbow flags washed over Nottingham as thousands of people made a stand against hate crime and homophobia.

The annual Pride celebration took part on Saturday, 25th July and to kick start the event members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer community (LGBTQ) marched through the city centre.

The parade started in Castle Gate at 11.30am and ended in Lace Market Square where there was a host of live music and performers taking centre stage.

As the crowds snaked through the city waving flags, blowing, whistles and making as much noise as possible it made many reflect on how far acceptance in society has come in recent years.

Mother of two Gemma Haywood-Hopkins, 31, of Clifton, said: "We are a gay couple and we come out and celebrate the event every year.

"This year is the first time we have bought our two boys with us because we want to show them what it is all about.

"There is a lot more acceptance now which can only be a good thing.

"Saying that there is still a lot of work to be done but it is good to know we are well on our way."

Leading the procession was a fire engine decorated using rainbow banners stating messages such as "proud of who we are".

A banner displaying the "have you pushed your button" message was displayed across the Pride stage to promote fire alarm testing.

Deputy chief fire officer Wayne Bowcock was representing the service on the day.

He said: "We are proud to be attending Pride again this year to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across Nottinghamshire."

The free event included more than 40 stalls on Broad Street and Heathcoat Street selling various goods and providing information on a range of subjects.

For Gemma Atkinson this year's Pride will be one to remember.

The 18-year-old art student from New College Nottingham said: "I am here to promote equality in across the city.

"I came out as being bisexual about six months ago so this is my first Pride and it is great.

"It is really good to see so many people of all ages being themselves and being accepted for who they are."

To entertain the crowds there were burlesque performers, singers and Brazilian dancers.

People from across the country travelled to attend the event.

Student James Mortimer, 17, from Litchfield, said: "I think supporting Pride events is so important because it helps with equality.

"I am really impressed with how many people have turned out and I think that every year support across the country gets bigger and better."

Nottinghamshire Police also took part in the event after working to crackdown on homophobia and hate crimes across the county.

Deputy chief constable Sue Fish said: "We as a force are committed to treating everyone with respect and fairness, irrespective of sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or disability.

"That also applies to our role not just as an emergency service responsible for the protection of the public but as an employer too.

"We have done much work with Nottinghamshire's many diverse communities to address the issue of intolerance and hate crime , but also to helped celebrate that diversity and to increase the confidence of the LGBTQ community in the service we provide."

To help ensure that the festivals future is secure there were be wristbands on sale for £3 at various points in Hockley and all proceeds raised will go towards the festival next year.

Nottinghamshire Pride co-organiser Leigh Ellis said: "Pride is something that we have to fund ourselves every year and so if you can help support us by donating something or buying a wristband then we would really appreciate it.

"It is keeping us going and is vital to ensuring that Pride continues for years to come."

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VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please email [email protected] for more information.

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