This year's Swindon and Wiltshire Pride might have been cancelled - but like a phoenix from the ashes the team behind the popular LGBTQ+ event put on a fantastic march through the town centre, followed by a picnic.
Difficulty in replacing key members of the committee, who stood down from last year's Town Gardens event, meant the full-scale Pride as the town knew it was called off.
But backing from key sponsors like Nationwide and South Swindon Parish Council ensured that something almost as good could take place at a new venue in Queen's Park.
Phoenix Stewart, who had unexpectedly found himself leading the charge on this year's festivities, said it was amazing to see a Pride event still take place after the tumultuous year the organisation had gone through.
Phoenix said: "Basically, we were incredibly fortunate, we couldn't do the big event this year so we decided to do the small picnic and all of a sudden it turned into this.
"It's quite incredible and we're extremely grateful for all of the support we've received - it's certainly nice to be back=.
Proceedings kicked off with hundreds of people from Wiltshire and beyond dressed up in glitter, rainbow flags and other colours congregating on the 50th anniversary of the first ever Pride march.
They then marched through the town centre with crowds of people gathering to watch and cheer them on, before settling at their location in Queen's Park for the day's picnic and entertainment.
Popular PCSOs Lee Hare and Kate Jackson-Collier were, as always, at the heart of the community event.
"Pride is an awesome opportunity for people to come and see us in a friendly way and to show the message that hate crime won't be tolerated," Lee said.
Kate added: "It's a great event that includes everyone, it doesn't matter if you're not in the LGBTQ+ community, you can still come and have a good time. We are the community, and the community is us."
Swindon Wildcats, The Samaritans, The Wyvern and BBC Radio Wiltshire were among stall holders for people to visit while enjoying the sunshine, food and drink.
Beauty queens Hannah Golding and Jade Dando were also out to support the event.
“It’s amazing to see Swindon Pride back and how inclusive the town is,” Hannah said.
Phoenix added: “It’s been a challenge and a lot of fun but we just wanted to run an inclusive event for people to feel safe at and we’ve done it.
Next year we’re hoping to be back to Pride as we know, but we still need volunteers.”
To join the team visit https://www.swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk/joinpride
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