Scores of people came together to take part in the fourth annual Sefton Pride event at the weekend.
Participants joined a colourful parade which made its way from Victoria Park, along Duke Street, then King Street and towards Southport Market on Sunday (28th June 2026) with a range of flags flying.
The march was led by Miguel Doforo, the founder of St Helens Pride and director of MD Productions and See You See Me CIC.
An outdoor stage had been set up on the pedestrianised section of Market Street where people gathered to enjoy live music and dance performances, with more entertainment, plus food and drink indoors.
Merseyside Queer Markets hosted a queer arts market with a celebration of queer talent, creativity, and community. Visitors were able to discover some incredible local artists, small businesses, and charities with a prime view of the main stage on Market Street.
Southport Town Crier Kevin Ruane read a Pride declaration for all present from the stage.
Sefton Pride CIC was founded by Jen Corcoran, who was voted in as Mayor of Sefton in May this year.
The event is organised by Sefton Pride CIC and took place in Southport in 2023 and 2024, before being held in Bootle in 2025.
This year there have been two events, with the first part taking place at Lock & Quay in Bootle earlier this month, with Sefton Pride part 2 in Southport on Sunday.
Sefton Pride CIC founder and organiser Jen Corcoran said: “It was an absolute delight to be able to come together with communities across the borough – events like Pride show the best of us.
“Once more, the trust and respect of people united in their desire to strive for fairness and authenticity, love and acceptance created a fantastic and inclusive atmosphere.
“We had amazing talent ranging from young people finding their expression, to those who perform when they can or use their music(and movement as something therapeutic, to professional performers who wear their identity proudly and bring activism to their acts.
“It was an honour to have Miguel Doforo, the founder of St Helens Pride and director of MD Productions, See You See Me CIC and more, lead our march to round off Pride month after not feeling able to do a march with the young people at their own event earlier in the month.
“His dignity and resilience are inspiring and the group number their dancers brought was emotional and powerful.
“I’m so grateful for everyone that made this possible from sponsors – Curlett Jones, Acorn Insurance, and Fletchers Group – plus Sefton Council, Moonlight Events, Monarch Medical and Merseyside Queer Markets.
“I am also so grateful for everyone who supported and attended whether they’re regulars or finding us for the first time.
“I am thrilled that it was so successful and also very grateful to those who captured the joy so we can all look back on such a beautiful day with pride.”
Complementing this Sefton Pride main event and parade have been other complementing events taking place in Southport town centre, including at Parkinson’s Books and Southport Bijou Cinema.
Audio Book Pride Origins was held at Parkinsons Books, on Lord Street, Southport town centre on Saturday (27th June 2028),to present an evening of classic house music.
They celebrate the sound and energy that gave birth to the LGBTQ+ scene and offered safety and security to those discovering their identity.
The line-up was filled with local talent, giving up their fee and time, to help raise money for Sefton Pride.
Southport Bijou Cinema, on Post Office Avenue in Southport town centre, screened movies to celebrate Pride Season which included The Birdcage, Funeral Parade Of Roses, Paris Is Burning and Queen – Live At Wembley.
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