More than 5,500 people flocked to Hednesford Park for the first ever Chase Pride Festival, smashing the organisers’ expectations.
Festival Director Kathryn Downs said: “We have been blown away with the response to the first event which far exceeded our expectations.
“We owe a massive thank you to everyone who made it such a brilliant success and to everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to make it a reality.
“Over 5,500 people walked through the gates in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. We’re hearing that it has made a real impact for the local LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
“This is given us a solid foundation to build on for next year’s event and we can’t wait to do it all again. Bring on Chase Pride 2023!”
Kathryn said around 4,000 people had been expected on the day, with a host of stars lined up to perform on two stages in the park.
Over 400 people also took part in the Chase Pride parade through the town, with hundreds more lining the streets to cheer them on and join in the singing and dancing.
Kathryn also thanked corporate partners, sponsors and grant-givers, including the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, One Stop Stores, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, Glamazon, Macfarlane Packaging, Aggreko, PRS for Music, Gaydio, Veolia, Arnold Clark and The National Lottery Community Fund.
She added: “I also want to say a special thanks to Cannock Sound Hire Ltd who were an absolute pleasure to work with and the wonderful Utopia Festivals Ltd who helped us out of an 11th hour pickle, having been let down by another supplier.
“And thanks as well to our rainbow volunteer army, who willingly gave up their weekends to man gates, operate control, box office and token booths, who litter-picked, managed road closures, safeguarded, entertained, and more – I am forever in your debt!”
Kathryn said Chase Pride began to help offer support and services for the large LGBTQ+ community in the area and would continue to work to bring about change and eliminate discrimination.
“Chase Pride isn’t just about partying in the park, we believe that the freedom that everybody experienced should be an everyday experience,” she said.
“Chase Pride also promotes inclusivity through education and providing workshops to the local community to offer support and advice.”
To find out more, visit: www.chasepride.org.uk.
