Newbury celebrates historic first Pride event

Hundreds of people waving flags and decked out in all the colours of the rainbow took to the streets of Newbury for the town’s first ever Pride march today (Saturday).

The parade, which has been three years in the making, began at Victoria Park at around 1.30pm after the marching congregation had gathered in the park.

The parade, led by a small group carrying a banner reading "Proud to be trans in West Berkshire", then made its way into Parkway Shopping, turning right towards the old Debenhams store and then left onto Northbrook Street, before heading towards the main square, where the Saturday market was being held.

With one participant dictating using a megaphone, the group chanted “I say Newbury, you say Pride” – reflecting the community spirit that was on show throughout.

Upon arrival in the Market Place, the parade then turned into a disco led by Kennet Radio. A festival had been planned until a sponsor pulled out.

Chairman of the Newbury Pride committee, Graham Reese, said the event had been “overwhelming”.

He said: “When we came to the park it was just full – it was beyond our wildest dreams.

“We were expecting 100 to 250, but we counted 690 adults.”

Planning for the march had begun in 2019, hoping for the first event in 2020 – until the pandemic intervened.

Mr Reese continued: “It all started in 2019 when we went to a bar to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and we decided Newbury needed a Pride.

“There were a lot of people saying it was something that was missing from the town, and there was the perception that there were no safe spaces, so it was about changing that perception.”

Another committee member, Kizzy Lavander Lee-Wimbridge, said they were hoping to make the event an annual thing.

“Newbury has been really supportive. I feel a lot of pride and a lot of relief that it’s actually managed to happen.

“I’m overwhelmed to be honest.”

Taking part in the parade was Diane Lee and her friend, who wished to remain anonymous.

The friend said: “I’ve got a son and grandchild that are trans so I’m here to support them.

“I was really impressed – I really didn’t think there would be that many people and I hope that next year will be even bigger.”

Ms Lee added: “I’m here to support Eight Bells for Mental Health. We have three gay people so I’m here to support them. It was a brilliant turnout.”

The Rev Gary Collins, based at St John’s Church, was spotted on the parade waving a Pride flag on a six metre-long pole, while several Newbury town councillors also took part, including Newbury mayor Gary Norman.

Mr Norman, who became mayor earlier this year, said: “This is a Pride event and I’m proud to be mayor of a town that’s so inclusive and diverse.

“The turnout is absolutely brilliant.

“For the first one I was fearful that only a few would turn up, but I’m delighted. There’s a feeling of good will and that can only be a good thing.”

Emily Giles, co-owner of Newbury Bookshelf, which had a stall in the market, said: “It’s been electric.

“It’s been so great seeing so many people getting involving, supporting each other and sharing the love.”

The emergency services were also supporting the event, with a rainbow flag draped on the front and back of a fire engine, while Thames Valley Police took part in the parade and set up a table in the Market Place.

TVP officer Ajay I-Beauchamp said: “I’m an LGBT+ liason officer for West Berkshire TVP so we were asked by Pride to be involved.

“At TVP we support Pride and we’ve really enjoyed it.”