City gears up for Pride celebrations

The organisers of a city Pride festival said they hoped the 2024 event would allow people to "feel they can just be themselves".

The Peterborough Pride parade will make its way from Stanley Park, at 12:30 BST, to the Green Backyard in Oundle Road on 8 June.

Highlights included singers and dancers, lip syncers and community performers - as well as a Madonna tribute act.

Festival chair, Teddi the Drag Queen, told the BBC that the main message this year was showing people they "can be part of their community and be successful".

The event began in Peterborough in 2018 and more than 4,000 people took part in the 2023 parade.

Teddi, a musician and singer, said the Pride celebrations took 12 months to organise, with fundraisers held throughout the year.

She said the event would not be possible without the help of volunteers.

"Peterborough is quite a conservative place and doesn't get the same high profile as other cities and towns when it comes to Pride," she said.

"The theme this year is to come and be yourself.

"Some people do not feel safe to express themselves in their own town. We have seen changes but you never get to be yourself fully.”

The Pride festival will also offer signposting services, including referrals to LGBTQ+ friendly organisations in the city, counselling and support groups.

Organisers said it would "help people navigate the community and find the support they need".

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