Hello fabulous peeps! It's your girl Emma here, and you know what? I'm bursting with rainbow-coloured joy because it's Pride Month, and Newbury's putting on a show like no other. You could almost smell the glitter in the air last Saturday, which could only mean one thing – Newbury's Pride Parade was here! And let me tell you, it was the kind of dazzling, inspiring, and downright fabulous day that only comes once a year.
Now, if you know me at all, you know my heart belongs to the pink, the twirl, and the sheer, utter exuberance of a perfectly-cut tutu. So naturally, I donned my finest (and pinkest!) tulle creation for the occasion, ready to dance with pride and joy.
The parade itself was an explosion of colour and community. Imagine a kaleidoscope of rainbow flags, sparkly costumes, and people of all ages and backgrounds coming together in celebration. It was a visual feast, and the atmosphere? Absolutely electric. It felt like the entire town had come alive with a sense of shared belonging, acceptance, and a love that defied every kind of judgement.
My personal highlight of the parade was seeing so many different styles of tutus, from classic ballet pink to a bold, dazzling gold – everyone was embracing their inner ballerina, and I loved it! And the soundtrack? Pure disco heaven. From Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" to "Dancing Queen" by ABBA, it was the perfect soundtrack to strut your stuff, throw some shapes, and spread a little love on the streets.
One thing I really loved was seeing how much the local businesses embraced the day. The parade route was decked out in rainbows, and the cafes and pubs were brimming with Pride-themed decorations. There was even a special Pride-inspired afternoon tea on offer, which I just had to indulge in!
I met so many amazing people along the way - families, friends, couples, and even a group of fabulous grannies in dazzling outfits who had never missed a Newbury Pride! Everyone had a story, a personal connection to this celebration of diversity. And witnessing those personal journeys interwoven with a shared joy was genuinely inspiring.
This year, there were some truly standout moments. We had the honour of hearing powerful speeches from local LGBTQ+ activists who shared their stories of resilience, advocacy, and love. The energy of the crowd was tangible, a silent wave of support that seemed to fill the air. And then, there were the dance crews – from vibrant hip hop performances to a flash mob that broke into "Proud Mary," every single movement resonated with pride and passion.
Of course, no Pride event is complete without some fabulous vendors selling unique crafts and supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations. I snagged a hand-painted rainbow tote bag for my daily errands and treated myself to some Pride-themed jewellery - because let's face it, every outfit deserves a little sparkle!
As the afternoon sun dipped behind the quaint English buildings, I found myself on a beautiful patch of green surrounded by smiling faces and a palpable sense of community. We sang, we danced, we laughed – we celebrated. And I, standing in my pink tutu, felt a sense of belonging like no other. It wasn't just a parade, it was a shared experience of joy, love, and the promise of a brighter future.
Because Pride isn't just a month; it's a feeling, an attitude, a commitment to equality and justice. And here in Newbury, it was beautifully embodied in the smiles on the faces of all those who joined the celebration.
So here's to Pride! Here's to community, to love, and to the joyous, fabulous chaos that makes Newbury Pride a celebration for the ages!
Stay Fabulous!
Emma xx
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