On Saturday 8th June, Ian, Panda & Vicki attended York Pride 2019.
After setting up the NYY stand alongside Barnardo’s on the Knavesmire, Ian set off into the city to meet Vicki and Panda, outside York Minster, to walk the Pride Parade. Along with two ladies from Barnardo’s we took our place in line to carry the Barnardo’s banner, with around a thousand other revellers. The parade started at St Helens Square, outside the Minster at 12pm and travelled through the centre of York and out towards the Knavesmire via Bishopthorpe road, ending at the Pride Site on the Race Course. The city centre was lined with spectators waving flags, cheering and clapping the many varied support groups, schools and individuals who walked the 2.2.mile parade. Rain had descended intermittently throughout the morning, but came down continually for the entirety of the parade. Even though the participants of the parade were wet, spirits were high and we carried our banners through the rain, waving back at the well-wishers lining the route. Bishopthorpe road was lined with supporters on the streets and families holding garden parties pushing the march on towards the start of the pride festivities.
The Pride site was full of LGBT+ information stalls, trade stands, a fair ground, and stage which were all being battered with rain, but the crowds still filled the site. Gareth Gates headlined the main stage, along with singers and dancers across the day.
As the NYY LGBT Champions entered the site we went to find our gazebo next to the Barnardo's stand to find no gazebo. I was informed that whilst on the parade the wind had uprooted our gazebo, which was then wrestled to the ground by a team of Police officers from the neighbouring stand, accompanied by Ben from Barnardo’s. Ben had been stood next to his information stall under his brand new umbrella, which also took collateral damage.
Well done to everyone involved in organising York Pride 2019 and the many supporters for coming out on a very wet day to support diversity and equality in York, North Yorkshire and the world.