Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Marchers challenge prejudice with a rainbow carnival
Thousands of people revelled in the sun for Canterbury Pride 2017.
Crowds gathered to watch the colourful parade featuring samba music, flag waving and a carnival atmosphere.
The party has now moved to the Dane John Gardens, where the Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr Rosemary Doyle and new MP Rosie Duffield were among the many making speeches on the podium before a minute’s silence was held in memory of the victims of the Manchester and London terror attacks.
This year’s event featured Rupaul’s Drag Race favourites Courtney Act and Willam, some of the UK’S favourite tribute acts, musicians, DJS and fun.
There was a large police presence with all bags being checked before people are allowed to enter.
Armed police had also been seen in the city after the organisers announced that security would be stepped up this year.
Before the silence, organiser Edd Withers said: “The day after our Pride event last year there was a shooting in Orlando and many people lost their lives. It was an LGBT nightclub.
“Since then we have had terror attacks in Manchester and London. We have lost many people who did not deserve to die.”
Cllr Doyle, who led the parade through the city centre, made a speech to the thousands in the Dane John in which she said: “Along with all the fun today, there is also a serious message. It is about challenging prejudice. Tolerance does not mean agreeing with everything but it does mean respecting different points of view.
“Today has shown me how much people in Canterbury do for each other.”
Carer John Jobson, 59, from Dover said: “Here, everyone is accepting of one another, without discrimination.
“I moved here recently from the north and Canterbury is a great city. An event like this brings everyone together, whether you’re gay or straight, it does not matter.”
Leon Summers, 26, from Can- terbury said: “It’s good for Canterbury to have something like this which celebrates everyone being who they are especially with everything going on recently. It has certainly come at a good time.
“I think the election result has added to the celebrations here. It is a historical event and what better way to celebrate that alongside an event which champions equality and diversity.”
There was also a selection of food and drink stalls, entertainment for all ages, including various inflatables, and a Pride marketplace.
Celebrations continued into the night at the official after-party with surprise guests at Glitterbomb, Kent’s most popular LGBT+ club night.