Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
All smiles as city Pride
Crowds in Dane John Gardens The city’s first Pride Canterbury festival attracted more than 3,500 people on Saturday.
Crowds lined the streets to cheer as the colourful parade made its way to the Dane John Gardens for the LGBT community event.
Pride chairman Edd Withers told the Gazette that organisers are jubilant with the turnout and atmosphere.
“We’re so chuffed. Canterbury and the county’s LGBT community have done us proud,” he said.
“Pride Canterbury is for everybody, but it’s about LGBT people. If somebody is not LGBT but wants to join the festivities, that’s great.
“The whole point is that we celebrate inclusion.”
The parade was led by the city’s new Lord Mayor Cllr George Metcalfe who met revellers outside the Marlowe Theatre for a photocall.
At about 1pm the parade set off up the High Street before winding its way to the park on the city centre’s edge.
A Madonna tribute act and Britain’s Got Talent star Danny Beard were among those on stage.
Drag artist Lunar Lovejuice also played her part in the festivities.
She said “It’s an amazing thing having gay pride in Canterbury because it brings the whole community together in a very religious city.
“It just shows that everyone supports us.”
The party continued through the afternoon and into the evening.
Among those taking part in the parade were churchgoers of the city centre parish.
Tessa Taylor said: “I’m here today because I want everybody in the world to know that they are loved by God.
“It’s a demonstration of our love for each other and our inclusiveness.”
Canterbury College