GALLERY: Peterborough offers joyous celebration of Pride 2023

“History was made today – for the first time ever the progress flag is being flown over Peterborough Cathedral,” was how jubilant organisers of today’s Peterborough Pride welcomed the news.

“This is a momentous achievement, and we are so proud of all of those who were involved in making this happen.

“Special shout out to our vice chair who climbed all the way to the top of the cathedral to make sure the flag was looking fabulous.”

And so it began, Peterborough Pride 2023, and one further recognition of how even a symbolic gesture such as this affects public perception and response to our country’s LGBTQ+ community.

Today was a magnificent further step along the way.

An estimated 2,000 people took part in the Pride March through the city centre – mingling and being welcomed in the cathedral grounds as has happened once before with a wedding party.

It was just the beginning however of the Pride Party which is continuing throughout the day and into the evening at the Green Backyard on Oundle Road.

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It is here that stages and stalls have been set up for visitors to enjoy, with the emphasis on music, and of course the day hosted by drag queens.

Some big names organisations and businesses from the city supported the event.

“Sponsorship is about putting your name and reputation on the line for other people regardless of the consequence,” observed one of the Peterborough Pride organisers.

Even Stagecoach, often the focus of criticism from people of all backgrounds, felt moved to support pride 2023, laying on a bus for those unable to walk the Pride march and also by offering discounted day rider tickets to attend.

The parade began at Stanley Recreation Ground and ended at the Green Backyard.

Perkins, Aegon and Anglia Ruskin University were among sponsors of Peterborough Pride 2023.