CHESTER PRIDE 2023 - A CITY FULL OF RAINBOWS

Chester Pride's annual LGBTQ+ celebrations made a welcome return to the city this weekend, with record numbers marching in the parade sponsored by Bank of America.

The bold and brightly coloured procession took place through the streets of Chester which were lined by many people watching the important message of diversity and acceptance that Pride has to give, especially at a time where the community is increasingly under attack, as shown by the tragic murder earlier this year of young trans woman Brianna Ghey in nearby Warrington and very recently the stabbing of two gay men outside a popular London LGBTQ safe space venue. 

Earlier this year it was uncertain whether the event would go ahead due to rising costs and the loss of several potential funding streams post-pandemic, but after a stellar effort by the managing committee this year's Pride turned out to be one of the best yet. Over 11,600 people were in attendance and enjoyed offerings such as the M&S Bank-sponsored mainstage packed full of local and international talent such as The Proud Marys (Chester's LGBTQ+ choir), Sami Brookes, Gareth Gates, and headline boy band A1 who entertained people along with drag and burlesque acts in the Glitter Lounge and Runway stage.

The health and well-being zone also returned to the event and was packed full of information from services and charities in the local area. A much larger youth zone also showcased free entertainment and offerings including the family fun fair thanks to Bank of America, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Coleg Cambria. 

Chester Pride Chair Warren Lee paid thanks to the hard-working team who produced the event on a voluntary basis. He said:

"This year's event was definitely a challenging one in terms of finances, with rising costs and uncertainty within the events industry which is still being felt in the aftermath of Covid. We have had a tough 5 years, but this year's event has felt like we have turned a corner. Last year's opening of the Rainbow Tea Rooms on Bridge Street has given us an all-year-round presence, but our main event is seen as an important staple in the community and in the city's calendar of activities. We had to make a tough decision this year to become a ticketed event, but on the whole, it has been met with support from the community who understand why we had to do this, we are already planning for 2024 and have a few things we'd like to add, change, or improve on which we’ll soon release our feedback form for people to help us."

Chester Pride 2023 was sponsored by Skyes Holiday Cottages, NHS Cheshire and Wirral Partnership , @xia, Bed Student Rentals, University of Chester, John Dwyer police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, Chester BID, HCRG Care Group, Muir Housing, Koura, Collage Cambria, MBNA, Brio Leisure, Altus Group, Body Positive, CO-OP, Atlas Copco, DTCC, Cheshire Fire and Rescue, Stena Line, Printworks Chester, HMP Berwyn, Popcorn, Nandos, White Oak, North Light, Liverpool Arms, Revolution Chester, Commercial Bar & Hotel, Slug and Lettuce Chester, Spital vaults and Partners Cheshire West & Chester Council, Bank of America, Bristol Myers Squibb and M&S Bank.

Chester Pride would also like to thank the local residents, businesses, and the city on a whole for its overwhelming support for Chester Pride that not only celebrates the local LGBT+ Community but showcases our fantastic city that was busy from morning to night with people using the amazing businesses, services and transport networks.

Tickets for next year's event are due to go on sale in the next week via the website: 

www.chesterpride.co.uk

The event will take place on Saturday 17^th August 2023.