Hundreds of people turned out to support the first ever Sefton Pride event as it took place in Southport on Sunday (16th July 2023).
A hugely colourful gathering of Pride supporters gathered in front of The Atkinson on Lord Street on Sunday morning, many of them proudly holding banners or placards that some of them had made at a special event in Bedford Park the day before.
The event was organised by Southport councillor Jen Corcoran and Sefton Pride CIC, a community interest company founded earlier this year, with support from Marshside Primary School Headteacher Natasha Sandland and Southport Flower Show, Victoria Park Events General manager Alan Adams and others.
The Sefton Pride parade in Southport. Aida H. Dee (left) Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns (right) and other supporters. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns was there to lend her support.
There were representatives from schools and organisations including Southport Hospital, Ormskirk Hospital, Sefton Fostering. Presfield High School and others.
The parade was originally due to be followed by a celebration event at Victoria Park in Southport but due to the unsettled weather conditions this was instead moved to the Extravaganza space inside 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
Visitors were able to enjoy a day of entertainment from performers including Aida H. Dee with Drag Queen Story Hour, plus singers Kelly Bond and Hayley Jones and others.
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service firefighters were around to show their support for the community.
Jen Corcoran said: “Sefton Pride CIC is very grateful for the support received to keep this event free to attend – generous donations have been made from Fletchers Group, Curlett Jones and Sefton councillors.
The Sefton Pride parade in Southport. NHS staff from Southport Hospital and Ormskirk Hospital. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Local businesses also supporting the event to ensure it was a success include Tesco, Morrisons, North West Marquee Hire, Moonlight Events and The Vincent Hotel.”
Marshside Primary School Headteacher Natasha Sandland said:
“I was keen to get involved in the project as I feel Sefton has such a diverse population that we don’t celebrate enough.
The Sefton Pride parade in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Promoting a safe and inclusive Sefton is rooted in education. Aside from this, Pride in Sefton, what great fun to be involved!”
Southport Flower Show General Manager Alan Adams, another supporter of the event, said: “I want to help celebrate diversity in Sefton and increase the visibility of our LGBTQ+ community.
The Sefton Pride parade in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Sefton Pride will help platform local LGBTQ+ voices, playing its part in making our borough a safe and welcoming space.”
If you want any more information or wish to make a donation, please contact founder director Jen Corcoran – jen.sefton.pride@gmail.com.
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