Telford Pride event delayed until September
A major event being laid on for the LGBT community has been delayed.
Telford Pride was due to take place this weekend in Hartshill Park, Oakengates, but has been pushed back to September 15.
The day will still include live music from LGBT performers and a range of stalls, but a planned march will not take place.
Organiser Alun Dallaston said it would still be a family-friendly celebration of sexual diversity.
“We couldn’t get through the process with the council,” he said.
“Basically, we accept there’s going to be some changes.
“There won’t be a parade this year because getting road closure permission is difficult. It’s a long-winded process – but that might happen in future years.
“The pride flag will be everywhere, we’ll have a lot of local acts on. We’re still aiming big, and we’re going to pull off big. It’s going to be a good day for everybody.”
Transgender singer-songwriter Lauren Harries, a former child prodigy and antiques expert, will perform at the show.
The day will also include a variety of drag acts and other musical performers.
The event will apply a strict watershed, with no bad language until after 9pm.
Mr Dallaston said it was to make Telford Pride as family friendly as possible.
“It is becoming a case that every town of any size is now starting to have a pride – it’s almost a national trend,” he said.
“It’s good for the people of the town on whichever side of the coin you land. It’s good for children to see that we’re human as well.”
The event is being held as part of the Telford50 celebrations, marking five decades since the town was formed.
Mr Dallaston said it would also celebrate 51 years since the decriminalisation of homosexual acts.
“The decriminalisation happened more or less 50 years ago, and Telford is 50 as well,” he said. “That’s one of the things that made me want to join the two together.
“Telford is not a gay-free town. Although we may not have a ‘gay venue’, we do still exist,” he said.
“It was born during the decriminalisation, and we are widely accepted in the culture around here.”
Telford Pride will be held in future years and, depending on its success, it could be moved to Telford Town Park.
“If we move the event in the future, we’ll be marching around Telford Shopping Centre,” Mr Dallaston said.
“Telford Pride is half way to becoming a charitable organisation. We know the money we would need for future events.”
