By Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport
The organiser of the Sefton Pride events says being honoured at last year’s Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards was “inspiring and humbling”.
Jen Corcoran organised the first ever Sefton Pride event in 2023, which included a parade through Southport town centre followed by a celebration event at Southport Market.
She has since developed it into a fast-growing annual event, as well as setting up a Sefton Pride CIC.
Jen was applauded as a Finalist in the Sefton Diversity and Inclusion Award category sponsored by Sefton Council at an emotional awards event at The Grand in Southport in April last year.
This year’s highly anticipated Grand Pride of Sefton Awards is being held on 25th April 2025 at The Grand, recognising the very best in our communities across Sefton.
Already, nearly 2,000 inspiring nominations, across 13 categories, have been submitted ahead of judging.
The categories are each sponsored by local businesses who give their support to make the awards happen.
A judging panel will meet soon to review the applications and the finalists will be contacted directly over the coming weeks.
Reflecting on the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards last year, Jen said: “The Pride of Sefton Awards was inspiring and humbling – there were so many people there who have demonstrated strength in the face of adversity, been dedicated to supporting others, and generally make our borough a better place.
“I was so pleased and surprised by the nomination, it was a really lovely chance to reflect on the journey I have had since deciding to step up and do more and I was really honoured to be included in such wonderful company.”
Jen set up Sefton Pride CIC in 2023 after realising there was a desire to have a Pride event in the borough.
She said: “It is essential for the LGBTQIA+ community to be represented everywhere – inclusion is not only the right thing to do, and offers a richer experience for all, but it also shows communities that they are valued, and goes some way to tackling people feeling isolated or excluded.
“It can also lead to solidarity and more of us standing up for one another against discrimination and abuse.
“It is, and always will be a community-led event – this is so important. There are so many challenges in life, and so much misinformation and fear, the opportunity to stand up to that whilst bringing people together to reflect and celebrate is amazing.”
Last year, she held the second Sefton Pride event which was in torrential rain.
However, she said the weather did not deter crowds who came out to march and celebrate.
“If anything I think it shows how resilient we are in unity and gave us a chance of a real rainbow.
“The event was brilliant, we had incredible performers and loads of support from stall holders, an amazing technician, lovely paramedics and of course the space itself.
“Many attendees commented on how they felt safe to be who they are at our event.
“We had young people who were early in their journey and enjoying the exploration, couples who have been out longer and were unsure what a smaller Pride would look like but really enjoyed seeing the intergenerational aspect and feeling the community love, and older members of the community who never expected to see this in their home town in their lifetime.”
This year Jen and the team have big plans to expand Sefton Pride, with the main event being held on Saturday 14th June 2025 at Salt & Tar in Bootle.
Jen said: “This year we have stuck to our pledge to make it a Sefton event that moves around the borough.
“We will also have additional events, collaborating with other venues in the borough – some of these additional events are still being finalised but they will be announced on our social media!
“It would not be possible without the support of so many others – this covers emotional support and encouragement from trusted friends and family, right through to the practical support of sponsors, Sefton Council, Sefton CVS, Pride networks and of course, the community who let us know what we are getting right, and give us the opportunity to improve where that is needed.”
- For up to date news on Sefton Pride, please follow the sefton-pride Instagram profile
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
