Celebrating Pride 2024: Parish and town councils leading the way

Author: Nadoya Reid, communications officer, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)

Pride Month is a vibrant and essential time for communities across the globe to celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. For Pride 2024, various local (town and parish) councils in the UK have embraced this spirit wholeheartedly, organising events and activities that reflect their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout celebrations and explore how other councils can get involved in 2025.

Crewe Town Council

Crewe Town Council in Cheshire, Silver Rainbow Pride on 29 June 2024, focused on honouring the older LGBTQ+ community members and their contributions. The event included a parade, speeches from prominent activists, and cultural performances, creating an inclusive atmosphere that celebrated the achievements and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community across generations.

Corby Town Council

Corby Town Council in Northamptonshire organised a vibrant parade and festivities on 22 June 2024. The event featured colourful floats, performances, and community stalls, transforming the town into a hub of celebration and advocacy. It was an opportunity for residents to come together, show their support, and enjoy the festivities. The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) were among several groups in the parade.

Hailsham Town Council

Hailsham Town Council in East Sussex hosted a grand celebration, Stand Proud in Hailsham, on 22 June 2024. This event featured a parade, music, performances, and informational booths, providing a festive and educational experience for all attendees. It was a day dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of unity within the community.

Hertford Town Council

Though June is the recognised Pride month, Pride events can take place before or after the month. Hertford Town Council in Hertfordshire celebrated Pride in May with a Family Pride Day on 12 May 2024. This family-friendly event was designed to promote inclusivity and educate the public about LGBTQ+ issues. Activities included face painting, storytelling, live music, and workshops, making it an enjoyable and informative day for families and individuals of all ages.

Leighton-Linslade Town Council

Leighton-Linslade Town Council in Bedfordshire kicked off Pride Month with a Pride Working Party on 1 June 2024. This initiative brought together community leaders, activists, and residents to plan and discuss ongoing and future efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community. The working party served as a platform for brainstorming inclusive policies and community engagement activities.

Weston-Super-Mare Town Council

Weston-Super-Mare Town Council in Somerset, in partnership with local organisations, curated a comprehensive programme of events throughout June. The event, Beautifully Proud, included workshops, film screenings, parades, and social gatherings aimed at celebrating Pride and promoting LGBTQ+ rights. The council’s collaborative approach ensured a diverse range of activities catering to various interests.

How local councils can get involved in 2025

Local councils looking to participate in Pride 2025 can draw inspiration from these events and consider the following ideas:

• Form a Pride Committee — Establish a dedicated team to plan and organise Pride events. This committee can include council members, community leaders, and representatives from LGBTQ+ organisations.
• Collaborate with local organisations — Partner with local LGBTQ+ groups, businesses, and schools to create a diverse and inclusive programme of events.
• Host educational workshops — Organise workshops and seminars to educate the community about LGBTQ+ issues, history, and rights.
• Family-friendly activities — Plan events that cater to families, such as storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, and family-friendly performances.
• Parades and festivities: Organise parades and street festivals to celebrate Pride visibly and joyfully.
• Promote awareness — Utilise social media and local media to promote Pride events and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.

By taking these steps, local councils can create meaningful and impactful Pride celebrations that promote inclusion, support the LGBTQ+ community, and foster a sense of unity within their community. Let’s look forward to a vibrant and inclusive Pride 2025!

The following blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the National Association of Local Councils. Any links to external sources included in this blog post are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or approval of those websites' content, products, services, or policies. Therefore, readers should use discretion and judgment when applying the information to their circumstances. Finally, this blog post may be updated or revised without notice.