Pride at picnic Park event hailed as success after 1,600 visit site
CHELTENHAM hosted its first Pride event in over a decade last weekend - and it was a success. Picnic in the Park, held in Pittville Park, was the first of its kind and saw 1,600 people attend, nearly double what was expected.
Pride in Gloucestershire chair Jayjay Potter-peachey said: “It was an amazing success, we only expected about 1,000 people but there was approximately 1,600 footfall throughout the day.
“I can definitely confirm that Picnic in the Park will happen again after how great this year was.”
Organised by Pride in Gloucestershire and supported by Cheltenham Borough Council and Cheltenham Borough Homes, the event was held in front of the pump room, which was flying a rainbow flag.
As well as bouncy castles and slides, there were tea cups and a bouncing harness attraction for the older children.
For the adults there were community stands, live entertainment, a hug a pug stand and a dog show - as well, of course, a bar.
The dog show was a hit, with loads of dogs of all breeds and ages coming to take part in the fun.
Muffin Pug Rescue came down with a number of their pooches for people to cuddle with “Hug a Pug” attracting visitors for a snap with the dogs.
The event was presented by family friendly hostesses/drag queens, Eva Fliction and Ravenna Slayshon, both from Gloucester.
Dressed to the nines, the queens lip synced and danced their way through the day. Stopping to take photos with families and handing out balloons and love in-between numbers.
Despite the larger than expected attendance, organisers and volunteers were not phased and kept a clean and efficient ship throughout the event.
As well as chocolate giveaways at the Natwest stall, there was a food van that stayed busy all day for attendees.
As well as Ravenna and Eva entertaining the crowds, musicians played sets throughout the day on the make shift stage in the pump rooms bandstand.
Writing about the event on their official Facebook page, Pride in Gloucestershire said: “Thank you to every single one of you that joined us at Pittville Park. It has been a pleasure to see our community come together and celebrate Pride!”
The annual Pride parade for Gloucestershire will take place September 14, in Gloucester Park,11am-7pm.