As Congleton gears up for its biggest Pride celebration yet, we sat down with Ronan Clayton, founder and vice chair of Congleton Pride, to reflect on the movement's roots, its local impact, and why Pride remains as vital as ever. 

Why do we need Pride?

"Pride is about visibility, safety, and celebration," says Ronan. "It's a space where LGBTQIA+ people can be unapologetically themselves—loved, respected, and seen. In a world where discrimination still exists, Pride reminds us that we belong.

It's not just a party; it's a protest, a community, and a promise that we'll keep pushing for equality." 

What is the history of the Pride movement and specifically Congleton Pride?

"Globally, Pride began as a response to oppression—most notably the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, which sparked a movement for LGBTQ+ rights. That spirit of resistance and celebration continues today.

Here in Congleton, Pride was born in 2018 after I attended Macclesfield Pride and realised our town needed its own space for LGBTQIA+ voices.

That same day, I heard about a trans person facing abuse in a local pub. It was a wake-up call. I set up a Facebook group, and within 24 hours we had over 200 likes. From there, we formed a committee and held our first event in 2019. It's grown every year since." 

Can you share how Congleton Pride is supporting the trans community?

"We're living in a time when trans people—especially trans women—are being targeted in the media and politics. At Congleton Pride, we stand firmly with our trans siblings.

We use our platform to amplify trans voices, challenge misinformation, and create safe spaces. We've worked with local churches to break down barriers and hosted events that centre trans experiences.

Our message is clear: trans rights are human rights, and there's no Pride without trans people." 

How do people in Congleton go about reporting a hate crime?

"Sadly, hate crimes still happen, and many go unreported. That's why Congleton Pride has become a reporting centre. We've been trained by Cheshire Constabulary to support victims of hate crime—whether it's based on sexuality, gender identity, race, disability, or religion.

If someone experiences abuse, they can speak to us confidentially at events or contact us directly. We'll help them report it to the police if they choose to. People can also report incidents anonymously at www.report-it.org.uk" 

What does Pride mean to Congleton?

"Pride in Congleton is more than a single day—it's a year-round commitment to inclusion. We've built strong ties with local businesses, charities, and churches.

We've flown rainbow flags from the Town Hall and stood firm in the face of hate. Our events bring people together from across the country, but they're rooted in our community. As we say, we're a little town with a big heart." 

Join Us at Congleton Pride 2025

Congleton Pride returns on Saturday 19 July 2025, transforming the town centre into a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and community spirit.

The free festival runs from 10am onwards, featuring live music, stalls, performances, and plenty of colour. Everyone is welcome—because Pride belongs to us all.