Thousands across Kent came together to celebrate Ashford’s first LGBTQ+ pride weekend.
Organisers Samantha Griffin, 48, Radio Ashford Presenter, and Heather Hayward, 46, Cabinet Member for Performance and Direction at Ashford Borough Council, promised the event would be one “the Ashford community owns,” showcasing what the town has to offer and providing a “safe and inclusive environment” for local LGBTQ+ individuals.
Celebrations took place over two days, with the main event hosted in Ashford town centre on Saturday, June 22nd, from 10 am until 11 pm, and two further events the following day.
The main event began with a makers market, showcasing various local LGBTQ+ businesses, such as Poca & Pan, The Gay Glass Stall, and Teal Alien Crafts.
Additionally, The Craftship — a creative hub hosted by Made in Ashford — arranged several family-friendly craft workshops, such as ‘Fabulous Fan Creating’ and ‘Pride Ashford Costume Making’.
Hunter, 32, co-owner of The Folkstone Bookshop, said: “As a business made up of queer and transgender management, we felt it was important that we show our support for the local LGBTQ+ community.”
In addition to the local amenities for guests, many organisations, including One You Kent, Be You, and Healthwatch Kent, appeared throughout the day.
From 11 am, local musicians, including Robin Mack, Rock Paper Scissors and Whiskey & Wine, performed on the Ashford Bandstand, hosted by drag artist Betty Late’N Never.
Due to unforeseen weather conditions, Liv2Dance performed via a Facebook livestream, which was met with rapturous applause from attendees.
During the main parade, over 2,000 participants flooded the streets in colour as they set off from the Ashford Bandstand towards Dover Place.
With drums and music filling the air, Ashford waved their flags in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
One attendee said: “Hosting a pride event in Ashford has been a long time coming as our town has such a diverse community, but unfortunately, they don’t feel safe.”
“I hope this event brings about real change, where people feel more comfortable being themselves.”
The day ended with an after-party hosted by Coachworks, featuring an outdoor stage in Dover Place.
Live performers included Phat Gandalf, Miss Shippyrose, and Dita Garbo, hosted by drag artist Andrey Titstick.
Mike Orvis, 34, lead singer and drummer of Phat Gandalf, said: “If you look through the comment section of any LGBTQ+ news post, it highlights why events like these are so important.”
“Pride Ashford was a rainbow-tinted line in the sand that welcomed anything but hate,” he added.
Several local representatives were present throughout the day, including Max Anderson, Young Green Co-Ordinator and LGBTQI Representative, and Cllr Lyn Suddards, Mayor of the Borough of Ashford.
Mr Anderson, 17, said: “Once I learned about Pride Ashford, I immediately recognised it as an excellent opportunity to engage within the community.”
“Taking an active role in participating towards the event has been an incredible experience, and I’m eager to assist towards similar initiatives soon.”
Harpers Cafe and Coachworks arranged two additional events in partnership with Pride Ashford the following day.
Harpers Cafe hosted Pride Ashford’s ‘Picnic In The Park’ at Victoria Park from 11 am until 3 pm.
The event featured a trapeze act from Simia Circus, a live performance by P!nk-!ish — a P!nk tribute artist — and a bouncy castle supplied by Candytan Events.
Ashford resident Lucy Jenner, 50, said: “Pride is all about bringing people together, and it’s been incredible to see it flourish in our town.”
“The day has been filled with amazing energy and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere,” she added.
Emma Ellis-Nash, 44, events organiser at Harpers Cafe, said: “I’m blown away with how the entire event has come together, and I truly hope it places Ashford on the map.”
“Thank you to the performers, local businesses, and residents of Ashford who came down to support the event and making it one to remember.”
The celebrations concluded with an extra event at Coachworks from 1:30 pm until 5:30 pm.
Cllr Hayward said: “Pride Ashford has been a whirlwind of emotions, but the support has been incredible.”
“Since the celebrations, I’ve had so many people reaching out. Some congratulated the event, while others shared that it finally gave them the courage to be themselves in their town.”
“None of this would have been possible without the overwhelming support of the volunteers, sponsors, and local businesses who put their faith in us.”
Mrs Griffin added: “The overwhelmingly positive response of Pride Ashford has been amazing to see, and we’re blown away by the level of support from the local community.”
“Our team is very excited about next year as we plan to grow and develop the event further.”
Organisers have confirmed Pride Ashford will return next year on Saturday, June 21st 2025.
Further details on how locals can participate and volunteer have yet to be announced; however, organisers will address next year’s pride in an upcoming Diversify meeting.
