Thousands Celebrate Diversity at Leicester Pride Parade

Thousands of people from the LGBT community and their allies gathered in Leicester city centre today, August 30, 2023, to participate in the annual Pride parade. The event, which drew a vibrant crowd, commenced outside the Curve theatre and featured a lively procession led by a drag queen and accompanied by drummers.

The atmosphere was electric as onlookers, including shoppers and families, watched the colourful celebration unfold. Many attendees expressed their excitement about the festivities, which culminated in a party at Abbey Park lasting until 21:00.

Community Spirit Shines Through

Daisy Richards, 30, and Tristan Webster, also 30, traveled from Leicester Forest East to join the parade. As the event kicked off, Daisy shared her enthusiasm: “It’s always amazing—really inclusive, fun, and colourful. You get people of all ages, too.” She noted that the live music at the park included several talented local acts. Despite the day’s festivities, Daisy mentioned, “I don’t think we’ll be staying that late, although the fireworks at the end of the party are always brilliant.”

Tristan, a first-time participant last year, echoed her sentiments about the enjoyable experience: “It’s only my second year taking part, but last time it was great. A long day but a lot of fun.”

Jackie Penney, 64, joined the celebration with a large group of co-workers from Blaby. “It’s my first time, but there are about 15 to 20 of us here from work, and some have been before,” she said. Jackie expressed her anticipation for the day’s events: “It’s a brilliant event, and I’ve been looking forward to doing the parade and then going down to the park. It should be a fun day, and it’s just the atmosphere I’ve been looking forward to the most.”

A Personal Journey of Acceptance

Among the participants was a young man from Hinckley, who wished to be identified simply as Ben. He shared that this was his first Pride event as he embraces his identity more openly within the LGBT community. “Only my sister knows so far,” he said, referencing his recent coming out. “I’ve never been to Leicester Pride before—or any others. But I’ve been going out more recently to events, going to the Dungeons & Dragons nights at the LGBT Centre in Leicester—and dressing up more colourfully!”

The parade also attracted spectators who came specifically to witness the celebration. Claire Woodward, 49, from Wigston, attended with her family and remarked, “We’ve been for a few years to watch the parade. It’s so nice to see all the colour. It just celebrates the diversity of Leicester and brings the community together.”

With its blend of joy, acceptance, and community spirit, Leicester Pride reaffirmed its role as a significant event for promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity within the city.