Swindon and Wiltshire Pride to be 'special' for 15th anniversary

Clara BullockBBC News
News imageBBC Pride PicnicBBC
Swindon and Wiltshire pride is the biggest LGBTQIA+ event in Wiltshire

Organisers of a pride event, celebrating its 15th anniversary, say this year will be "extra special", as it will be the first full pride celebration since the pandemic.

Swindon and Wiltshire Pride is taking place in Queens Park on Saturday.

Community manager Phoenix Stewart said it would be "a day to show we are a proud and diverse community".

"Pride is a celebration of many different cultures, and everyone will be welcome to join," Mr Stewart added.

News imageBBC People playing samba drums at the Pride eventBBC
The pride march started from Swindon town centre

The day began with a pride march through Swindon town centre, starting outside H&M and moving through town, towards Regent Circus.

The march then led to the main event within Queen's Park at 12:00 BST.

News imageBBC BBC Radio Wiltshire's Kelly Morgan pictured with three drag queensBBC
BBC Radio Wiltshire reporter Kelly Morgan spoke to people at the parade
News imageBBC A boy holding a sign reading "love is a human right"BBC
The organisers welcome everyone to the pride event

Organisers said to make the event as inclusive as possible, the main stage would include sign language interpreters and an accessible toilet and changing facility will be on site.

Mr Stewart said: "I am looking forward to Nicki French's performance, she always puts on an incredible show. We are all looking forward to everyone having a positive and inclusive day."

News imageBBC Five people wearing brightly coloured clothesBBC
News imageBBC Three people wearing bright colours at the Pride eventBBC
News imageBBC Pride flags by a gateBBC

Swindon Pride launched in 2008 and the following year the event was expanded to incorporate Swindon and Wiltshire Pride.

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