Pride brings colour and joy to Newbury

Newbury came alive yesterday as Newbury Pride transformed the streets with colour and joyous celebration.

Hundreds of people joined the Pride March  through the town centre, culminating with dancing to music, provided by Kennet Radio, and performances in the Market Place.

Local dignitaries took part including the leader of West Berkshire Council, Councillor Lee Dillon, who said:

“It’s  been great fun. There’s lots of energy in the crowd, lots of smiling faces singing along, clapping along> It’s been a really good day to promote Newbury Pride.

The Mayor of Thatcham, Councillor Mark Lillycrop told us this:

“I think it’s absolutely amazing. We came last year, but this one seems to be bigger and better, it’s so colourful, the joy of the occasion is absolutely amazing. We’re so pleased to be part of it and part of the everyone’s celebration today.”

But the day belonged to West Berkshire’s LGBTQ+ community, some of whom told us what Newbury Pride means to them:

“To be seen and be accepted”.

“It’s nice to know there are more of us about than just like the six people I know.”

“To me, it means family. We can all get together. We can all celebrate and we can just be ourselves and have a good time.”

“It means to me that Newbury is stepping into the future. I’ve lived here for 64 years and this is epic.”

Here are some more photos of the day, starting with one which shows the (L-R) Mayor and Mayoress of Thatcham, Councillor Mark and Jenny Lillycrop Deputy Mayor of Newbury Councillor Andy Moore,  Mayoress of Newbury, Councillor Sarah Slack and the leader of West Berkshire Council, Councillor Lee Dillon: