Throughout June Bude Pride, the group who have organised a month long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, have received a “tidal wave of support” from their town.

From the individuals who have given up months of their personal time to assist them in making Bude Pride the very best it could be, to all the businesses who helped fund the event. All these people became active “allies”, really engaging in the friend of town project, in which they received both online and physical plaques that certify their businesses as safe spaces for people of all identities and abilities. It also helps them learn about how to engage any of their customers with the QR code that will take them to the database the team have compiled with Cornwall Pride containing a growing number of mental health and support services both in Cornwall and nationally.

Alex Gibbon, co-director of Bude Pride, said: “Seeing so many shops, pubs, and café’s in town proudly flying the pride flags as we walk by every day sends such a powerful and important message of safety and acceptance.

“Despite the bad weather making us change venue at the last moment, Bude Pride was still a huge success at the Parkhouse Center. Our town Council gave their full support in this decision and helped us turn this venue into a truly pride worthy place. The 50th anniversary of Pride couldn’t have gone better or been more poignant in our rural town.

“We had the amazing children in our community proudly stand up in their staged march to speak out and proudly for LGBTQ+ rights, knowing full well these are human rights. This was such a powerful and moving moment for so many members of the older queer community at this event, many of whom faced a great deal of prejudice and discrimination from their peers whilst growing up. This gives all of us hope that our future generation will create an accepting and inclusive society for all their peers to be celebrated and respected.

“We once again brought the very best entertainment to Bude. Featuring some of the best tribute acts in the country, including This is Queen, and Little Fix. Both of which were huge hits on this day, the cheers of the audience that could be heard across the whole building was a testament to this.

Although we had a day of true celebration of our community.

“We also still focused on the true meaning of pride, making sure our message of education and acceptance stayed at the forefront of our message. Moments of Silence were held in the main hall for the Terrorist attack at Oslo Pride only a day before it was due to commence.”

Alex added: “For all of us it was a stark reminder of why pride still exists. Why it’s needed, and why the support of our community means everything to those of us who don’t always feel safe living their lives authentically when we leave our houses. Our town has clearly shown us last weekend that we are safe, accepted, and valued. Showed that by working together, prejudice and discrimination has no place in Bude.”