History was made in Halton last weekend, as the borough played host to its first ever Pride festival.
The event took place in the grounds of Halton Castle, on the top of Halton Hill in Runcorn, on Sunday 14 August. The day saw a host of entertainment, including performances from drag queens Miss Claudia and Sandi-Ego, as well as a candlelight vigil in memory of the 40 anniversary of the death of Terrance Higgins – one of the first people in the UK to die of an AIDs-related illness – as well as the countless others lost.
The Mersey Gateway bridge was also lit up to mark the day and celebrate Halton’s equality and inclusion. Event organiser Hayley Smith, who helps run Halton-based Northwest HIV Support CIC, said: “We organised Halton Pride to show solidarity and to show visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.”
It is hoped that the event will return next year as a two-day festival.
A short distance from Halton and the Liverpool City Region, Chester was also turning rainbow for its 10th anniversary Pride celebrations.
Thousands braved sweltering temperatures to join and support the city centre parade, which saw dozens of organisations and businesses marching, cheering and dancing through Chester’s streets.
A free event on Saturday at Castle Square saw Lucy Spraggan, The Overtones and Sonique perform on the M&S Bank Stage, along with Pure Paloma, Kitty Scott Claus, Kelly Wilde, Sharon Wallace, Lloyd Daniels and many more.
Sunday’s “Family Day” featured performances from Booty Luv, Rastamouse, Sami Brookes, The Hammond School of Dance, Definitely Dolly, Izzy Jones, Drag Queen Story Hour UK, magic acts and Pop Vox Choir.
The event also included the Glitter Lounge, market stalls, food and drink vendors, a wellbeing zone, funfair, an alcohol-free chillout zone and a candlelit vigil.
Pride Season will continue in the Liverpool City Region on Saturday 27th August, with New Brighton Pride, find out more here.
