News / Bristol Pride 2022
Pride parade returns to streets of Bristol
The city centre was flooded with rainbows on Saturday as Pride returned to Bristol for the first time in two years.
Beginning at Castle Park and winding through the centre until reaching Lloyds Amphitheatre, thousands of revellers waved flags and held placards celebrating queerness.
People were dancing, blowing whistles and waving as the pavements lined with people watching the procession.
is needed now More than ever
The day marked the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride march in London.
Happy Bristol Pride one and all! Join me as I follow the march through the city centre ?️⚧️?@BristolPride #Bristol #Pride pic.twitter.com/qRwBatlL6I
— Betty Woolerton (@bettywoolerton) July 9, 2022
Due to Covid restrictions, the annual event has not been held for the past two summers.
2022’s long-awaited celebrations saw a huge march – accompanied by a host of LGBTQ+ focused events springing up all over the city.
On the Downs, more than 100 acts across five stages performed from midday to 9.30pm. Headlining Pride Day was Canadian performer Carly Rae Jepsen.
Other acts included Priyanka, the winner of Canada’s Drag Race Season 1, and Katrina of Katrina & the Waves.
In previous years, the festival and Pride Day has attracted more than 45,000 people to the city centre and the Downs with concerts from Sophie Ellis-Bextor and former Spice Girl Mel C.
Richard James, at the day party on the Downs, told Bristol24/7 that Pride events are integral to connecting communities – now more than ever.
He said: “Covid made me realise what is was like to be stuck at home between four walls and nowhere to be.
“But here we are seeing so many people coming together to show community – especially in the current economic situation where people are angry and struggling. To have somewhere to be sheltered and to be human is the reason why I am here at Pride today.”
Richard James spoke about what Pride means to him – photo: Betty Woolerton
Organisers describe Bristol Pride as “a unique and important event that celebrates the LGBT+ community and offers the chance to connect and bring people together.”
They added: “As well as showcasing our wonderfully diverse community, Pride is about overcoming prejudice, hatred, reducing isolation and showing members of the LGBT+ community that they are not alone.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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