HUNDREDS danced through the streets of Bournemouth for the Bourne Free Pride parade on Saturday.
The annual Pride procession, which was cancelled last year due to Covid, took place earlier today, Saturday, August 21, and illuminated the town with rainbow colours.
The walking parade started at Meyrick Park before heading towards the square and up Avenue Road to The Triangle.
Bournemouth Mayor Cllr David Kelsey led the parade, wearing his formal Mayor robes.
Cllr Kelsey said: "I have always led the parade, I have done it for 15 years.
"Now I’m leading it as the first openly gay Mayor. I love this event, it’s always great fun.
"I am here to prove that BCP Council promotes diversity and acceptance.
"Life has changed for gay people in the UK but there are still over a hundred countries that are still anti-gay.
"We are all the same at the end of the day.
"We have to be stronger together."
According to Bourne Free trustee Harriet Rynor, there were between 300 and 350 people in attendance.
Harriet said: "It is amazing to be back and we have an amazing turnout.
"The people here are just incredible. I didn’t know what to expect. It was either going to be all or nothing, but I’m so happy, it is amazing.
The Pride parade continues🏳️🌈🏳️🌈@Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/TJLgsusJoS
— Maya (@Echo_Maya) August 21, 2021
"Bourne Free is an important event to have for the community. By doing this, people can see they have a team of people around them. The majority of people who come here are part of the LGBTQ+ community but a lot of people here are allies supporting Pride.
"It’s amazing for the community to come and celebrate, and Pride is needed for people to come together."
Alongside the LGBTQ+ community, there were representatives from the emergency services, charities and community groups in attendance.
Director of Bournemouth Samaritans Mark Wildey was ready to march in the parade with his Samaritans team, which included Listening Dog Siri and Hattie.
He said: "We are here to raise awareness that we are part of this community. We are here for everyone no matter what is going on in their life, 24/7."
Mel Lane and her son James Canning from the Space Youth Project were also there to show their pride.
Mel said: "This is our third parade and I just love Pride. It’s good to have in our neighbourhood.
"It is an opportunity for people who may not necessarily know other people like them to meet others.
"It is a welcoming environment and everyone is really positive."
Bourne Free continues until 10.30pm tonight at the Triangle where a range of local acts will be performing in addition to the headliners Veronica Green, from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, DJ Brandon Block and the singer Sabrina Washington; formerly of girl band Mis-Teeq.
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