Sheffield Pride 2010 – Biggest and Brightest
Posted on: Jul 3, 2010
Category: Pride News
An estimated 7,000 individuals descended on Endcliffe Park on Saturday to celebrate Sheffield’s third Pride event.
From its humble beginnings at Cemetery Park in 2008, Sheffield Pride has continuously grown and is now firmly in the diary as one of Yorkshire’s biggest live music event celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) community. It is an amazing annual experience for the whole of Sheffield’s diverse community to celebrate uniqueness and individuality.
Sheffield Pride is a completely free and inclusive community event established to encourage visibility of the often marginalised LGBT community. It is a non-political way of highlighting the prejudice that still exists with our society and throughout the world. Every year, Sheffield Pride welcomes all attitude free individuals, couples and families to enjoy a relaxed and entertaining day.
Visitors came from afar to join in the festivities. Jayne Smith, Sheffield Pride attendee, commented,
‘I’m from London but I always come to Sheffield Pride. It’s fabulous in a completely different way to any other Prides I’ve been to. There is a great family atmosphere and the event centres on the whole community. There’s no attitude and you feel completely welcomed whatever your age, sexuality or social background. To me, that’s what Pride is about’
The main stage was the focus of most attention with the delights of rock band Kenelis, and electropop from James Leon. Past Sheffield Pride performers, Cavali and Out Aloud (Sheffield’s LGBT choir) returned, providing the main stage with a true mix of musical variety while Sophie Mei added a little bit of spice with her own brand of belly dancing.
The highlight of the day for two very special ladies, Bella and Lorna, was the celebration of their relationship with a blessing performed in the Irwin Mitchell Rainbow Weddings Tent and then a night in the Cutler’s Hotel.
The event couldn’t take place without the fundraising events and the sponsors that support Sheffield Pride. A large amount of its success is down to the stewards and volunteers who give up their time on the day, for which Sheffield Pride is immensely grateful. Scott Cooper volunteered as a steward at Pride 2010,
‘There was so much to do at the event from activities and workshops in the Cooperative Community area to the Age UK Lost Girls Tent. It was a wicked day with such a great atmosphere. I volunteered as I know how much planning it takes and wanted to help out – It’s so important for a Pride event to happen in Sheffield as it gives people the confidence to truly be themselves!’