The first ever Pride events in Skipton and Ilkley, held this weekend, have been hailed a huge success.
In Skipton, Aireville Park was filled with colour as hundreds enjoyed a sunny afternoon of live music and entertainment headlined by Ru Paul's Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz.
Earlier in the day there were performances from ABBA Rebjorn, The Magnetics, Mikey May, Smashby, Manchester Proud Chorus, students from Craven College's performing arts department, children from the SELFA charity, and the All Together Now Choir.
Speeches were made on stage by Craven College principal Lindsey Johnson and local campaigner Michael, the founder of the Skipton LGBTQIA+ and Friends group on Facebook.
A spokesperson for Skipton Town Council said: "Thank you to everyone who attended our recent Pride and Sheep Day events. To organise and host Skipton's first ever pride event was a very proud moment. The feedback from the day has been amazing and we hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did."
Great atmosphere at the first #skiptonpride today and some brilliant performers on the @rombaldsradio stage đłď¸âđđłď¸ââ§ď¸đ¤đ pic.twitter.com/6Vp2rbjd1g
— Stuart Clarkson (@stuartclarkson) July 2, 2022
In Ilkley, the King's Hall and Winter Garden played host to Ilkley's first Pride event, organised by the newly formed Ilkley Pride and Diversity Group (IP&D) with 1000 people attending.
Further great pictures what a day it was !!
Posted by Ilkley Pride & Diversity on Sunday, July 3, 2022
Spread over two sessions, the family friendly afternoon session featured stalls and information, along with food and drink in the Winter Garden, while on stage in the King's Hall, Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists, The Bosom Buddies headlined. Mark Wood, one half of the Bosom Buddies also spoke openly in an interview after their performance about coming out in Ilkley in the 1980s. Local duo The Sheds, Joze School Of Dance, Ilkley Amateur Operatic Society and singer Dan Hatton completed the afternoon line-up. In the evening drag comedian Miss Syren, singer Richie and local dad band The Finishers kept the audience entertained.
IP&D Chair, David Shaw MBE welcome people at the start of each session with Ilkley Town Mayor, Mark Stidworthy in attendance, along with Robbie Moor MP in the afternoon and in the evening the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Matt Edwards.
David Shaw told Rombalds Radio: "The event exceeded all expectations, the afternoon session was completely full to capacity with so many young people and families in attendance. Ilkley Pride wish to thank Ilkley BID, Ilkley School of Motoring & Tyler-James Pet Supplies who were the main headline sponsors. Thanks to the many volunteers and of course everyone who attended and helped make the event so successful."
The date for next year was announce straight after the finish, Ilkley Pride 2023 will be at the King's Hall on Saturday 1 July.
đłď¸âđHappy Prideđłď¸âđ
— Robbie Moore MP (@_RobbieMoore) July 2, 2022
Great to attend #Ilkleyâs very first @IlkleyPride.
Huge đ to all who were involved in organising.
Incredibly humbling to see whole of our community come together to support.
Love is for everyone & all should be able to lead the life they choose. #Pride pic.twitter.com/ADjY5saQ5y
This weekend also saw the third Cougar Pride match take place at Cougar Park in Keighley, with the home side beating West Wales Raiders 86-0.
đ đ What an awesome afternoon at Cougar Park watching our mighty @Cougarmania absolutely thrash @WWRaidersRL 86-0! at their annual #Pride Match!
— Robbie Moore MP (@_RobbieMoore) July 3, 2022
Whole place was pumping & it was brilliant fun.
A huge đ you to all who played a part in making day an awesome Sunday to remember. pic.twitter.com/nWAwnwxZja
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