Rainbow marchers bring colour to town’s streets
ARAINBOW of colour transformed the town as crowds took to the streets for Macclesfield’s first ever Pride event.
Around 5,000 people enjoyed the Macc Pride celebrations and the scene was a mass of music, dancing and trademark rainbow colours.
The Superbowl UK stage attracted a large crowd throughout the afternoon, who cheered, danced and sang along as a succession of great acts.
Organisers said visitors revelled in a day where they could ‘express themselves freely and celebrate diversity’ with many making a special effort to dress for the occasion.
Brooklyn, a young person who attracted many admiring comments with their glamorous outfit and striking makeup, said: “This is a great place to be, a place where you can reveal your true self.”
Sophie Armitt, 18, one of the Macc Pride organisers, said they have been ‘ overwhelmed’ by the support in the town.
She said: “It has been a huge success. Looking through the town centre it is amazing to see so many different types of people in one safe space.
“This is something I’ve never seen before in Macclesfield. We have been overwhelmed by the level of support we have been shown locally.”
The Macc Pride team said the event was important to support the LGBT+ community internationally and to help educate and inform.
Rachel Hartley-Dickens, who ran the official Macc Pride raffle stall, said: “Many of us have found that some people are unsure, but when they get to know us and see that who we love or how we express ourselves doesn’t make us any different from anybody else, acceptance and understanding soon follow.”
Stallholder Louise Brown, who sold a huge number of her very pop- ular chocolate brownies, was thrilled to be involved in the event.
She said: “It was great to be part of the inaugural Macc Pride.
“It was colourful, lively and had a fantastic atmosphere. Everyone was clearly having fun and I’m looking forward to next year.”
After a busy Saturday afternoon in the town centre, the organising team and many friends and guests enjoyed a ‘fabulous’ afterparty at Fever & Boutique.