Spirit of Pride shines through as thousands defy the rain to celebrate LGBTQIA+ community
The spirit of Pride shone through as Congleton celebrated LGBTQIA+ identity, allyship, and community resilience.
Undeterred by the rain, thousands flocked to town on Saturday (July 19) for the sixth annual Congleton Pride - the 'biggest and boldest' yet.
The Pride Parade took a new route from West Street to the town centre, where Town Crier Vicky Pulman introduced Mayor Robert Brittain, who formally opened the event.
He said: "Congleton Pride is not just about celebration; it's also about connection.
"It's about showing that this is a town where people are welcomed, valued, and treated with dignity, whoever they are and whoever they love.
"Today reflects our shared values – inclusion, kindness, and mutual understanding."
Entertainment was spread over two stages, with the main stage hosted by Ronan Clayton as Fonda D with Jenna G.
Over the course of the day, crowds enjoyed performances from Congleton Musical Theatre, LB Dance, Jessica Stretton, The Trigger Hounds, and Danielle as Shania Twain.
Meanwhile, the community stage was hosted by Pride favourite Andy Hofton and featured Karamba, Zumba with Em, Mossley School Choir, and more.
Elsewhere, over 30 local businesses celebrated Congleton Pride by decorating their shop windows while an art and photography exhibition offered a quiet moment of reflection.
New additions this year included classic cars from the Gay Classic Car Group and a lively partnership with Congleton Market Quarter featuring an artisan market and evening music.
Radley & Co. hosted the official after-party, rounding off the celebrations with Pride-themed cocktails and live entertainment.
One standout moment from the day was the raffle of handbag, handcrafted from a damaged event banner that had been torn down and discarded.
Volunteers repurposed it in an act of resilience and creativity, and Judith Whiston, the smiling winner, took home not just a bag but a story of pride reclaimed.
Reflecting on the day, chair of Congleton Pride Malcolm Pope said: "This day is a powerful reminder to give all people a fair chance and a fair hearing. I implore each of you: have the curiosity to understand more about the hard journey of our Trans neighbours, and the kindness to simply give another human being the respect for just trying to be who they are — authentically and without fear.
"All of us in Congleton Pride would like to thank everyone who attended the day, whether part of our LGBTQIA+ family or not, remembering that to give the gift of equality means so much to those that receive it, but takes nothing away from those that give it.
"Our movement never works to take rights away from anyone, only seeks for a right to exist in safety and happiness."
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