How Swindon Pride has changed the town for good

The first Pride event in 1970 was a protest march, not a parade. But as time has gone on, society has also changed.

Pride today is more of a celebration that brings together the millions of members of the LGBT+ community, and works a catalyst in driving social change.

This year, Swindon and Wiltshire Pride is holding its16th event, and over the past few years, have seen its neighbouring towns such as Chippenham and Calne join in and hold their first Pride events too. 

Andy Midwinter, the Press Manager of Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, spoke to the Advertiser about how times have changed.

He said: "Now people grow up saying 'there are people out there like me, communities like me, events that I can go to and be who I want to be, rather than what society thinks I should be'.

"I think that's why more and more people are attending and more towns are putting on these events because it is a more accepting place.

"There will always be changes and it will always be different to what it was back in the day, but at the same time, it does retain that core aspect of a venue where people can be themselves for that one day."

Swindon and Wiltshire Pride welcome people of all backgrounds to their events (Image: Ian Price)

The 16th annual Pride event is set to take place on the 10th of August at a new venue, the GWR Park.

The change in location allows the organisers to increase the number of acts and events on the day, which already include West End star Aimie Atkinson, The Royal Serenity and Katy Ellis, a Taylor Swift tribute.

Andy said: "We've been able to bring back a second stage this year which is something we've always been looking to do as soon as we had the space.

"That means we've been able to add lots of local talent to our already diverse lineup.

"It's always been a family event, but the last few years we've seen more and more families attend together, it reinforces that point that this is an event for everyone."

He added the committee which organises the Pride event is mostly made up of local residents, so they take great gratification in benefitting the other businesses and groups in the area.

Andy said: "It's really special that we'll be able to bring in more local businesses, more charities.

"It's been an important aspect for us that we are a local event run by local people.

"I don't think an event like this would of carried on for 16 years if it wasn't for the positivity it brings.

"Any event is looking to evolve and it was important to us that it still stays at the heart of our communities."