Hundreds descend on town to celebrate first Blackburn Pride

People dressed in a sea of colours made their way to the town centre on Saturday morning (June 18) in preparation for the borough's first pride day.

The main event took place at midday as everyone came together to parade through the streets of Blackburn before making their way back to the square in front of the town hall for an afternoon and evening of festivities.

One of the committee members, and former mayor, Cllr Jim Shorrock said: “It’s absolutely brilliant – it is better than I imagined.

“I was always hoping for a lovely, enjoyable family day but the turnout has been amazing, and the parade went fantastically.

“It shows that Blackburn is, despite what some said, ready for its first historic Pride event.”

Hundreds took to the streets of Blackburn to celebrate Pride 2022

About four months in the planning, the event was a huge success with many acts taking to the stage during the day including performances from Magic Marc, the Aerial Angels and music from Blackburn People’s Choir.

A silent disco was also held at spacefiftynine on King William Street, with the day's events hosted by Ambyr Leaf.

Youth MP, Hasti Jahanghiri said: “People are happy, people are dancing, this is a big day in the fight towards equality and acceptance.

The Pride committee and dignitaries joined the parade in solidarity with the LGBTQ community

“Today marks a time where people in this town can be anyone and be who they want to be.”

Blackburn resident Katie Dolman said: “I just want to say, it’s amazing to finally have something for the people of Blackburn.

“We have never had a pride event before, this is huge. I am quite emotional.”

Katie Dolman and Conner Lattherd with their Pride flags

While DJ Conner Lattherd added: “It’s just something for the community to do, Blackburn’s first pride event, it feels surreal.

“It shows our younger generation that they do not have to leave in fear.

“I lived in fear before I came out in 2016. Days like these are what it is all about.”

One of the sponsors, East Lancashire Hospital Trust also attended the event

The committee are looking into potentially holding further events in the town.

Organiser Cllr Julie Gunn added: “It’s been overwhelming, better than we could have even imagined.

The people of Blackburn took to the streets waving their flags

“We knew the people of Blackburn would really get behind this and to see how many people have turned up here today, I am just so proud.”

Event sponsors included Secret Santa, BT, Geek Retreat, Together Housing, East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen and Red Rose Recovery.