Newport praised as Pride celebrations begin
Newport's LGBTQ Society praised the town for the incredible warmth and generosity shown as it kicked off Pride celebrations for the month at the carnival.
The society has only existed for year and the committee has been working tirelessly to plan the first official Newport Pride, which is taking place throughout this month.
Their events started by holding a stall at the Newport Carnival on Saturday and Pride Picnic in Norbroom Park on Sunday and the group raised more than £400 for charity.
Enya Battersby, Chair of the Newport Pride Committee and President of the LGBTQ Society, said: "When I moved to Newport, to live with my partner Tig, I was shocked there had never been an LGBTQ presence here as I had previously lived in places like Bristol where it was vibrant.
"We set up the group last year and held a pride picnic where 10 people came and the next time 20 people attended and it has grown ever since, which has been really great."
"It was wonderful to be a part of the carnival at the weekend. We were touched and warmed by the amazing welcome we received from the community on Saturday.
"And, the following day, we held a fantastic picnic. People of all ages, parents and children came together and we enjoyed great food and good games.
"It was brilliant and people really came out of their shells and had a good time."
The Society has more events to come including a Pride Quiz, which is being held on Tuesday, June 21 from 8pm in Novella, High Street.
Maximum team sizes are six and details are available by contacting LGBTQ Society, Newport, Shropshire on Facebook.
A Stonewall Fundraiser is being held on Saturday, June 25, from 12-4pm in Newport Square.
The Newport Pride Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 25, from 10.30pm at Central Square in Main Street, featuring DJ Harry Hancock.
A Pride Art Fair will take place on Sunday, June 26, from 10am-3pm in Novella.
