It began with Bishop Stephen Conway agreeing to the rainbow flag at Ely Cathedral in 2018 and continues – with some challenges in between – with the Octagon Tower on Saturday being lit in rainbow colours as the Anglican church lends support to Ely Pride.
On Saturday Jubilee Gardens, Ely, rang out with music, drag queens, LGBT+ supporters, friends and families, in a warm, joyous celebration which attracted around 6,000 visitors.
Pride was in town and a year of hard work by a small organising team came to fruition.
“It was such a delight to see so many people, young or old, from every walk of life, all together having a great time,” said Sarah Marsh, a trustee of Ely Pride.
“Ely Pride is a charity, made up of a small team.
“We have full-time jobs and struggle to manage everything as effectively as we would wish, however, we are improving and getting better, and hope to bring in more help.
“We have a group of helpers for which we are so grateful! This event would not be possible without all the help, support, and donations.”
She said the attendance of almost 6,000 broke previous record.
“The atmosphere was fantastic with so many people attending, and also just passing buy and coming in to spend some time and enjoy,” said Sarah.
“We hope that with these events, not only will be celebrate the LGTBQ+ community, and protest inequalities in society, but also bring together society so that variations are recognised as all a part of the tapestry of nature.”
Sarah took time out to give a guided tour to the newly elected MP Charlotte Cane.
“Charlotte is very supportive to the LGTBQ+ community,” she said. “Our Mayor of Ely, Chris Philips also attended to offer his support.
“Both our VIP guest made speeches on stage at 12 noon giving their recognition and support for the LGTBQ+ community and working towards a kinder, more inclusive society for everyone. From my work as Diversity Officer for LibDem.
“I feel we are really making a difference to create a kinder safer environment.”
The Team of Ely Pride consists of the following people:
Simon Pittock (also chair)
Andrew White
Virginie Ganivet
Sherrie Halls
Sarah Marsh
And not forgetting, says Sarah, Sandy Fosh “who is our secretary and our amazing compere for the day.
“We have a larger group of helpers and supporters, and without their hard work, this event could not have taken place.
“As a team we stand to support each other and the wider community.”
Sarah added: “Each and every member I feel so proud to know and work with; everyone has great passion and strengths in different areas, and I am certain we will go building on this strength to achieve much more.
FACT FILE
Ely Pride had 58 stalls including food, crafts etc.
It also had 22 performances on stage, including:
West End leading lady, Leanne Jones (Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray), Kim Watts Fire performer, Ruby Sue (singer), vocalists Chris LeRoy, Mamma D, Gabriel Pineda-Rodregues and Tzarina Payton Cooper.
Drag performances from Aria The Kween, Etta Courgette and Teddi the Drag Queen and the Queen compere.
Cambridge’s 9-piece brass-pumped funk and pop band, Colonel Spankys Love Ensemble.
And, finally, cabaret sensation, Alexa Vox.
Sarah added: “Nobody chooses where they are born, how privileged they are born or chooses the body that we are born into.
“Being left-handed, having red hair or being LGTBQ+ are all natural aspects which need to be treated with indifference.”
