By Emma - @EmmaInThePink
Sunshine, sequins, and a whole lotta love - that's how I'd describe Kettering Pride this year! You know I'm all about a good time and being loud and proud, so imagine my delight when I saw the vibrant colours, the joyous faces, and the absolute glow radiating from everyone celebrating Pride in this town. It wasn't just a festival, it was a whole vibe, a wave of inclusivity washing over Kettering, leaving behind a sparkle that will last long after the last disco ball has been packed away.
As a passionate dancer, you can bet I brought my A-game to Kettering Pride. This year's theme was “Glitter, Glam and Glow,” so you know I was rocking my signature pink tutu – it’s basically my uniform, y’know! - paired with a glitter-bomb bodysuit and platform boots that added just the right amount of sparkle to my look. You’d think those platforms would slow me down, but nothing can dampen my Pride spirit! The energy of the crowd, the music pulsating through the air, it was all I could do to keep from spontaneously busting out some moves!
The highlight of the day? Seeing a whole wave of people – young, old, families, friends – all twirling around in tutus! Yes, you read that right, folks. Kettering Pride wasn’t just about rainbows and rainbows and more rainbows, although we had those too in abundance! We saw rainbows in people’s smiles, in their vibrant clothes, in their hearts. The entire day felt like one big celebratory dance, and tutus became a symbol of that shared joy. It was magical!
Now, let's talk about the performances. We had some serious talent strutting their stuff on the main stage. Local drag queens served looks that would make even RuPaul blush, their voices belting out tunes that had the entire crowd singing along. My personal favourite was a stunning performance of "Born This Way" by a talented young performer. Seeing them so confidently own the stage, their spirit and their voice radiating love and pride, it made me swell with joy.
Kettering's got talent! We had some fantastic local bands bringing the beats and the sunshine, keeping the party going with catchy tunes and inspiring lyrics. I caught some of the dance workshops - that was another highlight. Learning a routine with the crowd, dancing side-by-side, it’s a shared experience that binds everyone together. No matter what you look like, how you move, your story, or your song, it's the feeling of togetherness that makes the moment truly special.
But Kettering Pride wasn’t just about dazzling shows and dazzling tutus (although they were certainly delightful). There were so many amazing stalls to discover, from handcrafted jewellery and local art, to stalls highlighting charities working hard to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. I even snagged myself a rainbow-sequined tote bag! I might need to switch out my current one!
As the sun began its final descent, bathing Kettering in warm golden light, I stood surrounded by happy faces, the laughter still echoing through the air, and a warm glow deep inside my own heart. This is what makes me so passionate about Pride. This sense of community, of unity, of accepting and loving each other exactly as we are. Kettering Pride isn’t just about rainbows and glitter (although we’ve gotta have the glitter!), it’s about showing love, empathy, and respect. It’s about celebrating the diversity within our community, raising our voices, and fighting for equality for all.
But let's not forget the tutus! They truly were the perfect addition to this year's Pride, making it feel light, fun, and even more beautiful. The fact that so many people, young and old, joined the tutu revolution, truly made my day! So thank you, Kettering, for showing the world what a truly joyful, celebratory and accepting Pride looks like. It's clear that this small town is big on heart, love, and tutus.
KetteringPride #Tututuesday #TutuPride #LoveWins #ProudToBe #Inclusivity #Togetherness #KetteringGotTalent*See you next year! *
Emma
@EmmaInThePink
www.emmainthepink.com
