The third Ilkley Pride was held at the King’s Hall and Winter Garden on Saturday 29th June.
Ilkley Pride was born out of a desire to create a safe and welcoming event for the LGBTQ+ community in the town and surrounding areas. The first ever Ilkley Pride took place in 2022, organised by a group of passionate volunteers who wanted to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights and issues. The event aimed to bring people from all walks of life together to stand in solidarity and support the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Since its inception, the event has grown in both size and significance, attracting a diverse audience including LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, families and friends. Ilkley Pride has evolved into a platform for advocacy, education and celebration of LGBTQ+ rights, creating an environment where people can be themselves without fear or prejudice. This year’s event was no different, drawing large crowds throughout the afternoon and evening.
Bosom buddies
This local celebration of inclusivity and diversity was further enhanced by a variety of artistic performances and entertainment. Local artists, both established and emerging, took to the Winter Garden as part of the evening’s ‘Pride Unplugged’ line-up, showcasing their talent while adding vibrancy and energy to the festivities. Meanwhile, the entertainment at the King’s Hall was non-stop from the get-go with performances from Bosom Buddies, Joze School of Dance, Queenergy, Miss Syren, Lady Za Za and many more.
Queen energy
Ilkley Pride is more than just a party; it is also an opportunity for education and awareness. The event included a range of engaging activities including workshops, pride themed crafts and a number of other stalls run by a mix of both local and national organisations. These activities help to build understanding and bridge the gap between different communities and beliefs.
In addition to Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group’s main Ilkley Pride event, the group has also played an important role in promoting dialogue and understanding between people of different perspectives and beliefs within the town. Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group encourages a wider conversation around acceptance and inclusion, encouraging everyone to reflect on their own attitudes and prejudices and strive for a more tolerant and inclusive society. With the support of Bradford Youth Service, Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group launched Ilkley’s first LGBTQ+ youth support group and since its inception the group has become hugely popular. Plans are also underway for a regular community wellbeing hub and an educational signage project to help local members of the LGBTQ+ community access the support services relevant to their individual needs.
Ilkley Pride Volunteers
Following a hate campaign surrounding last year’s Pride event, the Ilkley Pride & Diversity team were invited to a meeting with West Yorkshire Police, chaired by Detective Inspector Katie Madden. It was agreed that the two organisations would work closely together to tackle hate crime in the area, improve reporting practices and help the police improve their relationship with the community. As part of this project, we were joined at Ilkley Pride by members of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership who provided insightful information on preventing hate crime through early intervention, prevention and education.
By celebrating Ilkley Pride and supporting Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group, the town and its people have come together to proclaim that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves to live free from discrimination and prejudice. Ilkley’s annual Pride celebration is a beacon of hope and inspires others to do the same and promote inclusivity and equality in their communities.
As Ilkley Pride continues to grow and flourish, it reminds us that love is a universal language, capable of breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding. By embracing diversity and nurturing empathy, we pave the way for a brighter, more compassionate future for all.
