The first ever ‘UK Pride’ celebrates 50 Queers for 50 Years with giant Sue Perkins and Tom Daley
The first ever “UK Pride” event took place at the weekend, with thousands of LGBT people and allies taking to the streets of Hull.
While there have been countless Pride marches and events in the UK since the first in 1972, this was the first “UK Pride”, which coincides with the Ciry of Culture celebrations.
The event marked the 50th year since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967.
The theme of the parade was 50 Queers for 50 Years, with various LGBT superstars being celebrated with pseudo-religious iconography.
Individuals also featured on floats that were carried across the city, including late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and actor Sir Ian McKellen.
A new route for the 2017 Parade, which was led by queer collective Duckie, saw it finish in Queens Gardens with a massive concert.
B*Witched, Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond, Cleopatra, Sonia, La Voix, Seann Miley Moore and Blonde Electra performed at the event, among others.
The UK Pride Organisers Conference last year designated that Pride in Hull 2017 would be the first ever “UK Pride”.
The concept of a “UK Pride” aims to take a lead from other special nation and region-wide LGBT celebrations.
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Trustee and Vice Chair Andy Train said at the time: “Much like how EuroPride is the focus of the European pride calendar, we’re confident that the title of UK Pride will enhance the event given the honour each year by attracting additional funding and promotion.
“This will bring even more people to the city during Hull’s premier lgbt+ celebration.”
The LGBT 50 celebrations continue and will be capped off with a concert on Saturday, July 29 that will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2.
The final day also features A Duckie Summer Tea Party in Queen Victoria Square, with a mix of performances, tea and cakes.
