The wet weather far from dampened any spirits on Cornwall’s north coast at the weekend, as hundreds of people turned out to celebrate Newquay Pride.
Saturday’s highlight saw dozens combine to walk the world’s largest pride flag from Beach Road to the Killacourt amongst a rather poetic sea of brightly coloured banners and umbrellas.
The parade, led by Newquay Mayor Drew Creek and Sam Galsworthy, the High Sheriff of Cornwall, was supported by many local businesses, each adorned with flags and banners.
The entertainment that followed featured performances from Them Vandalz, Alysha Vine, and Vocal Presence to name but a few, while numerous stalls offered support, information and connection for the LGBTQ+ community.
“I really wanted to shine a light on some of the marginalised areas of Cornwall – people, communities and the like,” Galsworthy told CHAOS Radio. “Frankly, Cornwall Pride is absolutely in the sweet spot of that. It really is.
“I’m just done with hatred. I think that we need far more love and real inclusion. If today isn’t a great example of that coming to life … it’s just absolutely brilliant.
“I mean, look at the spirit of it. It’s thoroughly wet but everyone’s out smiling and representing. I think what’s brilliant about this is people representing pride but also Cornwall as well.
“If we are to change people’s relationship with pride and communities generally, it needs to be fun. It can’t be about anger or challenge or conflict. If we can transfer the Oggy Oggy Oggy into pride, pride, pride, that’s just one small step.”
He continued: “Today there’s loads of examples of people doing some really beautiful things. Cornwall’s got 14 different prides versus other counties that have just got one.
“All credit to Matthew [Kenworthy-Gomes – Cornwall Pride CEO] and his team. There’s a lot to be – forgive the pun – proud about here. Cornwall takes things by the scruff of the neck and loves it. It’s great, isn’t it? Absolutely brilliant.”
Following Newquay Pride, four pride events remain in 2024, starting with Bude this Saturday (July 27), Cornwall Pride (Truro) on August 31, Saltash Pride on September 14 and, finally, St Ives Pride on October 5. To learn more, visit Cornwall Pride.
Throughout Pride Month and beyond, CHAOS Radio have been sharing clips from listeners telling us what it is that pride means to them.
“Pride means me being able to be myself wherever I am, not just in my gay community,” says Robin.
“I’m here as an ally and just to support pride,” added Erupa. “Pride means to me to really be your authentic self, to not be scared and to really be brave in your identity.”
Ethan, meanwhile, told CHAOS Radio: “Pride means to me a way to meet like minded people and a place to be safe instead of dealing with the rest of Cornwall, which unfortunately has quite a bit of homophobia and a bit of transphobia.”
To share your thoughts, email news@chaos.radio or visit our website.
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