Preparations well underway for 'biggest and best' Congleton Pride yet
Congleton Pride is less than a month away and this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Taking place on Saturday (July 19) throughout the town centre, everyone is invited to attend the free festival celebrating diversity and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Preparations are well underway, with organisers determined to show that 'love will prevail' despite the negative actions of a small minority.
Malcolm Pope, chair of Congleton Pride, said: "The whole team is really excited to be planning this year's event, with a longer parade and a bigger footprint all over the town.
"We are super happy to be partnering with the Market Quarter and delighted with all our brilliant sponsors, entertainers and volunteers who are working together to make this Pride the best ever.
"The fact that some of our banners advertising the event have been torn down just makes us, and the wonderful people of Congleton, even more determined to enjoy the day and show the vandals that they will never win. Love will prevail!"
READ MORE: Police investigating after Congleton Pride banners stolen
Congleton will be rainbow-coloured for the day, with many shops decorating their premises to celebrate Pride.
The festival gets underway at 10am with the Pride Parade setting off from West Street Car Park at 11.30am.
There will be free family-friendly entertainment across two stages, along with fun activities throughout the town.
Performers on the main stage on High Street, hosted by Jenna G and Fonda D, include Congleton Musical Theatre, LB Dance, Jessica Stretton, The Trigger Hounds and Danielle as Shania Twain.
Meanwhile, the community stage on Bridge Street will be showcasing some of the best local talent.
Host Andy Hofton will introduce Karamba, The Beartown Singers, The Wesleys, Jasmine Allen Estate, Mossley School Choir, Zumba with Em and the Leaping Frogs.
This year, Congleton Market Quarter will be joining in on the action with a full programme of events and an artisan market.
The event continues into the evening, with Jenna G performing at the Market Quarter from 6pm followed by a DJ from 8pm until late.
Elsewhere, Radley & Co will have Harriet Dagnall Duo performing from 8pm and will be serving a special Pride gin and Pride cocktails, with 15 per cent off drinks for anyone wearing Pride colours.
Ronan Clayton, founder of Congleton Pride, said: "I'd like to thank everyone involved for giving their time to make our biggest and best ever Congleton Pride, including the stall holders, entertainers and sponsors, and especially our incredible army of volunteers.
"We are also grateful to Congleton Community Projects for helping with the parade, Town Council officers for all their practical support, Cheshire Constabulary for keeping us safe, and everyone that has helped behind the scenes. I am sure all that come along will have a fantastic day."
Chair of Congleton Town Council's community committee, councillor Kay Wesley, added "Pride is one of the biggest days in Congleton's annual calendar and we know that it will fill our town centre with happy people having a good time, from Congleton and many other towns. This is great for our town, community and businesses.
"The team has worked hard to ensure the event is accessible for all. I encourage anyone who hasn't been to Pride before or thinks it isn't for them to come along this year – you will find that inclusivity really does mean for everyone and I'm sure you'll have a great day."
Town centre roads will be closed from 7am to 6.30pm from just above the bus station up to the end of Moody Street, and High Street to just before Canal Street.
West Street and Swan Bank will be closed temporarily during the parade, for 15 minutes from 11.30am.
Businesses and individuals wishing to join the parade, are asked to register online here or by contacting [email protected].
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