IW Pride weekend event was fabulous

Isle of Wight Pride more than made up for the bad weather postponement from July, with a fabulous weekend featuring a parade, a community village and entertainment.

Some light rain on Friday night did not dampen anyone’s spirits, and the launch party, with DJ host, Boom Party Live, and fabulous drag queens, Dawn and Cherry Liquor, set the scene for an amazing weekend.

On Saturday, crowds lined the streets in Ryde for a parade attended by many local community groups, businesses, and supporters. The parade and followers arrived on the seafront to be welcomed by a sea of colourful rainbow flags.

In the parade was Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner, whose opening speech was about the importance of Pride and inequality around the world.

The event was free, and a community village held on Saturday and Sunday informed and entertained visitors. A popular feature was Selfie Island with its Unicorns.

On the main stage, Saturday crowds were entertained by tributes Utmost Elton and MDNA – Madonna, Drag from Lucy Caboosi, and the Island’s fabulous Quivers, with the evening topped off by Amrick Channa from X Factor, and The Voice (UK), and headliner, DJ Woody Cook.

IW Pride Plus, on Sunday, finished the weekend on a high, with tributes, The Gay-Ties Revival Show, and local entertainment from the 2Bfit4life Dancers, Molly Downer Musical, Theatre Train and Miss Autumn Star & The Burlesque Belles. A ‘Promise to Love’ ceremony was led by celebrant, Sue Edwards, and the weekend finished with Starstruck – The Ultimate Years & Years Tribute.

The IW Youth Council took part in the event. Chairman, Benson Hardy, said: “We were honoured to take part in the events for IW Pride. It is such a vibrant and inspirational source of the Island community, celebrating a diverse array of people.”

Dates have already been announced for 2024 – IW Pride will take place on July 12-14.

A street collection was held, and IW Pride would like to thank everyone who contributed and helped to raise £2,282 to assist the charity in its work on the Island.