City Council supports first Essex Pride march

Chelmsford is hosting the first Essex Pride march later this month. 

The city’s parade will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first ever Pride march in July 1972 and will remember those who have made a stand against inequality. 

March sets out from Pop World

The march will set out from Pop World on Saturday 25 June at 11.30am, travelling through High Street, Chelmsford and ending in Central Park where the Essex Pride Festival is taking place. 

Shop windows in the city centre are being decorated with colourful Pride-themed murals by Chelmsford For You, and the rainbow flag will be flown at the entrance to Central Park. 

City Council sponsors Essex Pride 

Chelmsford City Council is proud to be one of the sponsors of Essex Pride and city councillors and council staff will be joining the march as a show of solidarity with the Essex LGBTQ+ community. 

Chelmsford City Council’s sponsorship will go towards extending the spirit of Essex Pride throughout the year, supporting activities and providing safe spaces. 

The Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Cllr Stephen Robinson, says Essex Pride has become part of the fabric of the city. 

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“Pride marches have played a key role over the last five decades in the campaign for equality, tolerance and diversity in society. It’s fantastic to see the first Essex Pride march in our city. Pride matters to Chelmsford and we’re incredibly proud to host the county’s celebrations every June.

Although Chelmsford has changed a lot since 1972, we can never take equality and diversity for granted. There is still work to be done to ensure that our city is a welcoming, friendly, safe and inclusive place to live, work and visit. Join us in support of the Pride cause on 25 June to share in this joyful and important event as one community.”

Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader, Chelmsford City Council

Essex Pride Festival in Central Park 

The march route ends at the entrance of the 2022 Essex Pride Festival, an annual event for all, celebrating tolerance and acceptance.  

This year’s headliners include M People vocalist Heather Small, singer Sonique, and the stars of Queenz, who’ll bring their trailblazing drag extravaganza to Chelmsford Theatres later this year. 

Garry Ormes, Chair of Essex Pride, says it’s a chance for everyone to be present to help others to be themselves. 

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“Essex Pride has become an integral part of life in Chelmsford. The Pride Festival gives LGBTQ+ individuals and families the chance to be visible in large numbers and for our many allies to come together.

On top of all that, this year’s march acknowledges the work of all those upon whose shoulders we stand to make our county a kinder and more equal place.”

Garry Ormes, Chair, Essex Pride

Booking essential for Pride march and festival

It’s free to attend the Essex Pride march but organisers are asking anyone who’d like to join them to book a place in advance to ensure the event runs as smoothly as possible. You can sign up as an individual, group or organisation by completing an online form. 

Tickets for the Essex Pride Festival can be purchased in advance at a discount on the Essex Pride website or for full price on the gate. All the details about how to book can be found on the Essex Pride website. 

If you’d like to volunteer to support the Essex Pride march or the festival, fill out the Pride volunteer contact form.