By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
There was a fantastic turnout for the second Sefton Pride event in Southport on Saturday (15th June 2024), as heavy rain didn’t deter people from taking part.
There was a steady downpour as people met and sheltered for cover outside The Atkinson on Lord Street in an event organised by Jen Corcoran and Sefton Pride CIC.
Participants were dressed in all the colours of the rainbow in a variety of outfits and waved flags as they marched through the Town Hall Gardens, along Lord Street, up Nevill Street and along the Promenade towards Victoria Park where they enjoyed an afternoon of great entertainment.
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2024. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns led the march while the Batala Mersey Drummers made some noise.
Sponsors included Curlett Jones Estates, Fletchers Solicitors and Acorn Group.
Jen Corcoran said: “Wow!
What an incredible day. The rain didn’t put off our marching squad and we had a gorgeous turnout with spirits as high as the excitable squeaks from the Starkidz elves.
“Our Sefton youth had learned drums in just two weeks to lead us in a proper march and guided our stunning sponsor squads,Curless Jones Estates and Acorn Group brilliantly.
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2024. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Loads of you followed, representing many organisations, but also just having a great day with family or friends.
“Our staunch supporters, June Burns (Mayor of Sefton) and Emily Spurrell (Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside) also came for the march. Batala Mersey brought smiles to many faces as they followed the parade on.
“We all arrived at the park where Southport Flower Show General manager Alan Adams had been setting up in the fantastic marquee from North West Marquee Hire.
“Tech had already been set up by Scott Mackin from Moonlight Events and he was an absolute dream to work with. He supported the acts in the run up and made everything run super smoothly.
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2024. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Thanks to my fellow compère, Jacqueline Fontaine, for returning to Sefton Pride.
“The entertainment standard was incredible, with MD Entertainment delivering a stunning set.
“Returning bands The Violets and Coneheads did awesome sets and then Sam Hopper got everyone up and dancing with his fantastic singing.
“The Lost Voices choir delivered a lovely set, with different numbers allowing different elements of the ensemble to shine.
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2024. Curlett Jones Estates. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“It got emotional as activist and stunning singer Kenny Thompson took to the stage and moved us all with his message and talent.
“We were absolutely made up to deliver the surprise surprise of Filla Crack taking to the stage razor sharp and working the crowd deliciously, I cannot imagine a room she couldn’t entertain.
“Kriss James had all the theatre kids swooning for his set and even found himself in a fabulous coat of many colours during Any Dream Will Do, courtesy of Kim from The La La Las.
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2024. Jen Corcoran. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“They finished us all off with a cracking, high energy, slick set that had some wicked medleys!
“Thanks to our fantastic bar staff, food vendors, paramedics and security – fortunately only the bar staff and vendors were kept busy!
“Special mentions must also be made to Fletchers Group for sponsorship, Sefton Council for their support and Morrisons for donating water.
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2024. Ciolleagues from Mersey and West Lancs Teaching Hospital. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Finally thank YOU – your support and attendance is so welcome and we were blown away to have incredible feedback about how inclusive and safe our event was.
“The vibes were excellent and I can’t wait to see what else is to come for Sefton Pride CIC working with you, our community.”
The Sefton Pride event in Southport in 2024. The Batala Mersey drummers. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
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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