Thousands gather in city centre to celebrate Notts Pride 2023

The parade began on Lister Gate from 10am with a long queue stretching down the street towards Broadmarsh in a colourful display of rainbows, transgender Pride flags and signs. The parade is one of the biggest celebrations in the city and thankfully, the weather was fantastic for the duration of the march.

Thousands not only joined the parade to show their own Pride but also, to show solidarity with the LGBT+ community. Those who didn’t feel like marching, joined the sidelines to wave and show support.

It has been a difficult year for LGBT+ rights, especially the transgender community which led to the theme of this year’s event - together. It’s a chance to show strength in numbers and support.

The parade made its way up Wheeler Gate before moving onto Old Market Square and up cheapside by PopWorld Nightclub. The end point is traditionally, Broad Street which has historically been the queer section of the city due to many queer and LGBT+ friendly businesses such as The Goat, Broadway Cinema, The Lord Roberts and The Health Shop.

The stalls and stages were lined up onGoosegate which were, as usual, packed with people celebrating. This year the line-up included Nottingham’s own Girlband, singer-songwriter Rob Green and Transgender Musician, Yay Maria along with drag queen Kitty Tray.

Pride favourite, Charity Shop Sue returned while Nottingham dancers, Twisted Pole performed on the day. There was performances from drag queen Liv and the winners of the recent Nottingham’s Drag Pageant.

On a more serious note, speeches held on the day included an address from local MP for Nottingham East Nadia Whittome, trans activist Tania Stevenson and Nottingham against Transphobia.

Francis Molloy from Sherwood travelled in with their partner for the march. Having just moved from Glouchester, this is their first Notts Pride event. “I’m really pleased to be here and see how many people turned up. It’s been lovely to feel accepted and wanted by the city, they said.

“I don’t normally come in to Pride as I struggle with the crowds, Kristy Adcock also from Sherwood said. “It can feel like a lot but I’m glad I did. This feels like really good fun.”

The event relies on the many volunteers who give up their time each year as march stewards, donation collectors and general event support. The 2023 Pride event was supported by: Sladen Estates, KuKu Creative, Nottingham City Council, Boots, Capital One, Acoustickle, Pendragon, E.ON, It’s In Nottingham, Cartwright Communications,Nottingham Express Transit (NET), Experian and East Midlands Airport.

The event stretches into the event with many individual events including Gladrags at Metronome and Bink’s Yard hosting multiple performers. The New Foresters is also hosting an event with a late license so the party can go into the early hours.

Sarah Hall is heading to Bink’s Yard: “I’m excited to see the performers but it was a hard decision to choose what I wanted to do this year. Each year it gets a bit bigger and bigger which is fantastic.”