It finally happened -Wisbech held its first Pride event. And it was a massive success. Hundreds turned out to the Queen Mary Centre in Wisbech which hosted Fenland Pride.
One visitor described it “great fun: I really enjoyed it. I didn`t know there were so many members of the LGBT plus community in Wisbech. I hope they do it again next year.”
Sue Dockett of the Wisbech, March and District Trades Union Council described it as a “brilliant Pride event; so well attended and organised”.
Unite was also present with a stall and volunteers offering support and encouragement.
“It’s been a great day of music, poetry, performance, love and solidarity,” said their spokesperson. “The first of many.”
One of the main drivers behind Wisbech Pride was the Kite Trust, whose work supports LGBT+ young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Wisbech Pride organiser Pip Gardener told the BBC that the enthusiasm shown by those wanting to take part had made it “a really great, a really fun, a really exciting thing to be part of”.
“I think there’s a misunderstanding about what Pride is. It creates a space for community, and we all need community,” said Pip.
“Even if you don’t understand identity, you do understand the human importance of connection and being able to form friendship and have joy and celebrate, and that’s even more important when a lot of spaces don’t let you do that all the time.”
Among many supporting the event was Tesco, and Julie Busby, the store’s community champion, popped by.
“Well done everyone for organising this great event,” she posted to Facebook “and all the wonderful acts I saw today”.
Pride also enjoyed a visit from the Mayor of Wisbech, Cllr Sidney Imafidon, who posted photos of his visit to Mayor’s Facebook page.
Pip Gardener added: “There are so many LGBTQ+ people across Cambridgeshire.
“Please do reach out to the Kite Trust, we can help you find them, but also know that they are in your communities and people just like you wanting to make friends and wanting to make connections.”
More information about the Kite Trust can be found here:
