ANDOVER'S first-ever Pride event, held on Saturday, June 22, was a resounding success, attracting hundreds of people.
The family-friendly event, hosted by Andover Town Council, along with its partners - Test Valley Borough Council, Andover College, InAndover and Andover Mind – took place in Pocket Park behind Town Mills.
The event offered a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, entertainment, and a strong message of inclusivity.
Attendees came from the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to celebrate diversity and love.
READ MORE: Andover Pride co-host speaks about importance of event
The organisers believe the event saw more than 1,000 people in total.
"It's history for Andover," said Lucy Luscious Lips, a drag queen and co-host of the event.
“Everyone could come together, celebrate. You don’t have to be from the LGBTQIA+ community to be here. We are open to everybody.
“We still have to fight for our rights. Obviously, we have got marriage rights now as same as heterosexual couples. And we have come a long way since the 80s when Pride first started, We still got an awful long way to go. Our community still experiences discrimination. So it’s really good to have this event to still fight for our rights.”
Andover Pride 2024 featured performances by local talents like Kate Plumtree, Andover Musical Theatre Company, Mojo and the Royal Restitution, Incolour, and Velour.
Andover Town Council clerk Gail Foster expressed her delight at the event's success.
"It's great to see so many people and everyone having a fantastic time," she said.
SEE ALSO: All you need to know about Andover's first Pride event
Town councillor Katherine Bird, who had championed the idea for years, shared her pride in witnessing the event come to fruition.
“I have been hoping to organise a Pride for a number of years from the time I was a councillor 15 years ago. I was pushing for it since then. We felt this is the right moment now and I am overwhelmed to see we are here.
“The team that has organised it has done an absolutely incredible job. It is so fantastic, what a testament to see this event.”
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