Two Pride events are set to return to North Staffordshire later this month with thousands of people expected to enjoy parades, live entertainment and community events.
Pride in the Moorlands will take place between 26 and 28 June with a special appearance from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Ginny Lemon.
Ginny will host the Big Fatt Dance Party in Leek’s Market Square on Sunday. The day will also feature high-energy dance and live Dhol drumming from Punjabi Roots and an all-day Pride Stories Exhibition and workshops with Dr Christopher Owen at Foxlowe Arts Centre.
Across the rest of the weekend, the free Pride celebration, organised by OUTSIDE and a steering group of local LGBTQ+ people and allies, will offer creative workshops, a youth disco, roller disco, Pride Parade, immersive exhibition, and live performances across Flash, Cheadle, Tean, Biddulph, Endon and Leek.
A Pride Torch will travel across the Moorlands beginning in Flash village on Friday afternoon and passing through the other involved towns before arriving in Leek on the Sunday of the event.
It aims to be an ‘inclusive and joyful’ experience for people of all ages, background and identities.
OUTSIDE director Katie Aldous said: “We’re incredibly excited to see Staffordshire Moorlands Pride return for its second year.
“What makes Pride here special is that it’s created by and for local people. The programme reflects the creativity, warmth and diversity of our communities, while creating visible spaces where LGBTQ+ people can feel welcomed, celebrated and connected. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend.”
Meanwhile, Stoke-on-Trent Pride will celebrate its 20th anniversary at Hanley Park on Saturday, 20 June.
Entertainment, community activities, exhibitors, food vendors and attractions will run between 12pm and 6pm with the Pride Parade starting at 2.30pm.
Live entertainment will be hosted by Electric Blue and headlined by Kelly Llorenna, best known for chart hits including Set You Free. Other performers include Bella, Nothing But Covers, Scottish vocalist Bev Lyons, Gail Windrass as Diva Tribute, Scottish boy band Just the Brave and dance music act Alex Party.
The vast majority of the event is free to attend, including the fringe tent, family area, Pride parade, arts and crafts activities, community zones and more than 120 stalls.
Wristbands, costing £5 for adults and £1 for under-16s, are required to access the main area which includes the main stage and licensed bar area.
A spokesperson said: “With strong community support, a packed entertainment programme, more than 135 stalls and exhibitors, and a year that marks 20 years of Stoke-on-Trent Pride, organisers expect this year’s event to be one of the biggest and most memorable celebrations the city has ever seen.
