Thousands gather to celebrate third Pride by the Harbourside
The third Pride by the Harbourside took place on Saturday with a parade led by the deputy lord lieutenant for Cumbria and the MP for Whitehaven and Workington, Josh MacAlister.
A free concert was then opened by Eurovision icon Sonia and performances followed by boyband 911, Danish Eurodance group Cartoons and English house music duo Freemasons.
The parade at Pride by the Harbourside (Image: Colin Johnston)
Also taking to the stage were pop and dance artist Jan George, vocalist PJ Taylor and local acts including Logan Paul Murphy and Stella the Fella.
Along the harbour were food stalls, information stalls, and a variety of family-friendly activities. For the first time, Rosehill Theatre hosted a community stage.
The event, organised by Proud and Diverse Cumbria, attracted between 8,000 and 10,000 people to the harbourside.
The parade at Pride by the Harbourside (Image: Colin Johnston)
Glenn Anderson, director for Proud and Diverse Cumbria, said: 'It was fantastic. There was so much colour, so much vibrancy. The stallholders did tremendous trade.
'Most importantly, from my perspective, we provided an environment that was good for the mental health wellbeing of vulnerable and isolated people. That's our job done.
'The number of people dressed up, wearing glitter and carrying flags, there were thousands of people who were there associated with our event, not just visitors. That's a great thing because it evidences the need for these safe spaces to be created.
The event brought colour and vibrancy to Whitehaven Harbour (Image: Colin Johnston)
'I equally wish to point out that Cumberland Council are doing a very good job addressing the rights of minority people.
'I have to publicly recognise that we have achieved some of the goals that we wanted to. I have to thank the people who are in power for listening that we all wanted was equality and parity.
'It's getting to the point that maybe the next event doesn't need to have a label. I don't want us to be segregated in any way. We are part of the community. Our focus going forward, is to continue integrating into the community.
Josh MacAlister, the MP for Whitehaven and Workington, gives a speech at Pride by the Harbourside (Image: Josh MacAlister)
'Truly thanks to the harbour commissioners for allowing us each and every year to bring some colour and vibrancy to such a beautiful, historic, scenic location. We are extremely privileged that they grant us permission every year to do that.
'Thank you to the leader and deputy leader of the council, Mark Fryer and Emma Williamson, who have been great champions and have done what they pledged in their manifestos.'
Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: 'It was an honour to help open the celebrations and to stand alongside so many friends, families, allies and neighbours in support of our LGBT+ community. The colour, the music, the joy, and - most of all - the sense of togetherness made me proud of what Pride represents.
Josh MacAlister, the MP for Whitehaven and Workington, at Pride by the Harbourside (Image: Josh MacAlister)
'As Cumbria's first openly gay MP, I'll never take for granted the progress we've made, or the importance of events like this in showing that whoever you are, and whoever you love, you are welcome and valued here.
'Thank you to the organisers, volunteers and everyone who made the day such a success. Here's to many more years of Pride by the Harbourside - and to carrying that spirit of inclusion and equality with us every day of the year.'
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