The woman who led a campaign for the first ever Pride event in Sefton has been honoured at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Jen Corcoran, from Southport, who founded the Sefton Pride Community Interest Company, was a Finalist in the Diversity and Inclusion Award category, sponsored by Sefton Council, at The Grand in Southport.
In July last year she worked alongside Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events General manager Alan Adams and Marshside Primary School Headteacher Natasha Sandland to organise the first Sefton Pride Parade and celebration event, which took place in Southport on Sunday, 16th July 2023.
It was a massive success and a riot of colour with hundreds of people turning up to take part in the popular event, which is due to be repeated this summer.
The Sefton Pride parade in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
A hugely colourful gathering of Pride supporters gathered in front of The Atkinson on Lord Street, many of them proudly holding banners or placards that some of them had made at a special event in Bedford Park in Birkdale the day before.
There were representatives from schools and organisations including Southport Hospital, Ormskirk Hospital, Sefton Fostering, Presfield High School and others.
They marched through Southport town centre, with cars beeping their horns, passers-by waving and lots of support from passers-by.
A celebration event was then held at Southport Market.
The Sefton Pride parade in Southport. Event organisers (from left) Jen Corcoran, Alan Adams and Natasha Sandland. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards saw 13 categories on the night at The Grand in Southport, with incredible stories behind all the finalists.
There were over 1,300 nominations for community figures from Southport, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Maghull and across Sefton.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards were organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio.
The Sefton Pride parade in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The night was hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo, with entertainment from Whitney Houston tribute performer Michelle Lawson, soul singer Dave Broe and DJ Baz Todd.
As Sefton celebrates its 50th birthday, VIP guests attending the awards included Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson; Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns; and council Chief Executive Phil Porter.
Also enjoying the evening were boxing world title challenger Martin Murray and Liverpool FC legend Gary Gillespie.
Pictures on the night were taken by Kevin Brown Photography with videography by Zack Downey from ZED Productions.
Fundraising took place on the night with proceeds going to ICU Steps, the intensive care patient support charity.
- For more details about the Pride Of Sefton Awards please visit: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email: standupforsouthport@gmail.com
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