By Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport
Southport’s second ever Pride event is taking place this weekend.
The celebration will take place this Saturday 15th June 2024 starting with a march from the Town Hall Gardens.
Sefton Pride is returning after the success of the first event last summer – a turning point for inclusivity in the town.
Jen Corcoran, founder and organiser of the event said: “It’s important to have a pride event anywhere.
“Despite progress, some people still don’t feel comfortable expressing their identity and don’t feel they can be honest about who they are.
“It’s really important for the community to stand up and celebrate progress. Anything that unifies people is important and it’s all about finding where you belong.”
Jen, who was a Finalist in the Sefton Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport, said: “Sefton is an inclusive borough and pride is important to reinforce this and keep people together.”
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2023.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Last year’s event saw a ‘lovely’ turn-out, with families old and young.
Jen said it was better than she expected and saw people throughout the community stepping up and helping out.
She said: “At the end of the event last year a couple came up to me and said, ‘it’s nice to know me and my husband will be able to go out for a pint without being bothered’.
“The day showed how welcoming the town is. We saw everything from groups of teenagers, babies, children, families and older people.
“Children were able to explore their identities and see role models of all shapes and sizes – who often aren’t shown in mainstream media.
“People were able to find their own tribe and a place to fit in.”
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2023.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
This year has lots in store. At 11.30am a march will make its way from the Town hall Gardens to Victoria Park, led by Sefton youth members to symbolise marching into the future.
Founding sponsors, Curlett Jones, will be next in line, followed by new sponsors – Acorn Group.
Once at Victoria Park, those attending can expect food, drink and entertainment from 12pm to 6pm.
There will be stalls including Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid and Sahir House.
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2023.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Jen said: “We wanted to make the day as inclusive and accessible as possible.
“It’s a free, family-friendly event and open to anyone.
“It’s nice to be able to bring people to Southport instead of people in the LGBTQIA+ having to travel to bigger cities such as Manchester or Liverpool.
“We like to keep it community-focused and include local businesses.
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2023.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“We are a community interest community so we’re interested to hear about what people want and need – we’re always open to suggestions.”
Entertainment at Victoria Park includes Filla Crack! Liverpool’s premier drag host and vocalist, recently nominated as Personality / Performer of the Year at Liverpool Pride Awards.
Performers announced include local singer and fundraiser Sam Hopper, activist and singer Kenny Thompson, The Violets who performed at last year’s event, and more.
“We just want to have a fun time and get everyone up dancing,” added Jen.
- To keep up to date and find out more, you can follow Sefton Pride CIC on Facebook or sefton_pride on Instagram.
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