Revellers who attended Blackburn’s first-ever Pride event on Saturday shared their positive thoughts on the "phenomenal" day, describing is as a milestone for Blackburn with Darwen.

The borough’s first Pride day brought hundreds of people of different ages, race, and religion together to celebrate a day of diversity and inclusivity.

The town centre hosted a variety of different acts including performances from Magic Marc, the Ariea! Angels, and Blackburn’s People’s Choir as well as a silent disco on King William Street.

The sunny weather created a radiant atmosphere where people were able to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with pride.

Lancashire Telegraph: The Pride committee and dignitaries joined the parade in solidarity with the LGBTQ communityThe Pride committee and dignitaries joined the parade in solidarity with the LGBTQ community (Image: Lancashire Telegraph)

One of the committee members, and former mayor, Cllr Jim Shorrock, said: “It was absolutely brilliant.

"The turnout was fantastic, and everything went very smoothly I couldn’t have wished for anything better.

“It sent a message out to the wider community that Blackburn with Darwen is a diverse place and a multicultural place where everybody is welcome.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service showed their support on SaturdayLancashire Fire & Rescue Service showed their support on Saturday

The committee have a meeting planned this week with local sponsors to discuss the successes of the event and what can be improved for following years.

Following on from the success of this year's event, it's hoped that Blackburn Pride will become an annual event in the borough's calendar.

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He continued: “Who would have thought that Blackburn Pride would be trending?

"Seeing the positive reactions from everyone online was phenomenal and next year will be bigger and better.

“I’ve spent quite a bit of time on social media responding to all the lovely comments and it’s just been phenomenal from the very beginning of the planning to after the event.

"It’s phenomenal, I can’t describe it any other way.”

One person shared on Twitter: “It makes my heart sing with joy to see the first ever Pride in my hometown, Blackburn.

"And to be here, celebrating with my mother, makes it extra special. To see so many young people out and open, proudly marching, just puts such a smile on my face.”

 

 

Blackburn with Darwen Mayor Cllr Suleman Khonat was also at the event celebrating.

Local organisations and businesses took part in the event, highlighting the strong sense of community in the borough.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Blackburn Samaritans and Wetherspoons all showed their support for Pride.

 

 

Cllr Shorrock expressed his personal thanks to the Pride Committee, and the councillors who have worked with him as well as the "lovely people of Blackburn with Darwen" who attended the day, and created a "tremendous day" for families and friends to enjoy and come together to support a community that embraces Pride.

“It’s been such a huge responsibility getting this together, but when it all comes together, you’re just so full of emotion and pride, it’s brilliant.”