Ashington Pride Picnic Celebrates Diversity and Community Spirit
Ashington Town Council's Pride Picnic, held on Saturday, September 7th, at Hirst Park, proved to be a resounding success, bringing together the community in a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Building on the triumph of last year's event, the Town Council collaborated with Pride Action North and Northumberland Communities Together to create a day filled with family-friendly entertainment and joyous festivities.
A spokes person for Pride Action North comments; "Pride Action North were proud to contribute to this event as a result of funding received from the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership (NIECP), where Northumberland County Council is the Lead Accountable Body for the funding. Their project, Roaming Roots, is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the Lead Authority".
The event was officially opened by Civic Head Cllr Caroline Ball, who introduced the first performers from Gladwin's Ballet and Stage School, setting an energetic tone for the day ahead.
A diverse array of entertainment kept attendees engaged throughout the event. Standout performances included routines by Gladwin's Ballet and Stage Schools, captivating shows by Drag Queens Bella B Campbell, Velvet, and Gloria, and soulful singing by Michael Olgivlie. Adding to the excitement, BREAK.NE hosted break dancing workshops that proved extremely popular with the younger attendees, bringing an energetic and modern flair to the festivities. The talented Graeme from Ashington Panto Group provided expert PA services, ensuring that every performance and workshop was heard clearly across the park.
The Pride Picnic also featured a wide range of organisations offering information and creative activities. Participants included Mortal Fools, Curious Arts, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, YMCA Northumberland, Ful Circle Food Project, who also supplied the lovely free cupcakes, Unison, GMB, Escape Family Support, Northumberland Domestic Advice Service, the Northumberland Community Safety Team, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, and Northumberland Community Bank. Their presence added depth to the event, providing valuable resources and engaging activities for attendees.
Koast Radio broadcast live throughout the day, adding to the festive atmosphere. Families enjoyed complimentary refreshments, including tea, coffee, cupcakes, and candy floss. A variety of stalls offered items for perusal, with a notable display of model trucks catching the eye of many visitors.
The success of the event was made possible by the hard work of many individuals. Ashington Town Council's Mark and Ryan, along with Northumberland County Council staff, were instrumental in setting up and clearing away. Photographers Roy and Haydn captured the day's memorable moments, preserving the spirit of the celebration for years to come.
One attendee summed up the event's impact, saying, "Really grateful to the organisers of this fantastic and very important event. It has been full of joy, colour and smiles, just like the LGBT community! Really thoughtfully organised very nice to see so many community organisations being involved and sharing how welcoming and inclusive our town is. Absolutely loved today, thank you again to everybody involved – can't wait for next year!"
The Ashington Pride Picnic not only celebrated the LGBTQ+ community but also showcased the town's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. As the event continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to Ashington's welcoming spirit and the power of community collaboration.
Pride Picnic 7th September 2024
