Yesterday, June 24th was a day of firsts – not only was it the hottest June day ever but Marlborough held its first Pride Event. Undeterred by the extreme heat, over a hundred people, together with the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, and Marlborough’s Mayor Cllr Mark Luson, gathered in St Peter’s Church for Marlborough Pride. Organised by Rachel Lynes and Richard Lowe in just three weeks, the event was a real celebration. St Peter’s was festooned with rainbow flags and there was rainbow face painting. There was banner making and chair yoga, a Pride march down the High Street and evening entertainment and refreshments.
Richard Lowe welcomed everyone to the event and explained why Pride events are so important. “Being gay is not a sin, not a disease just part of being human.”
Lt Gen Sir Andrew Gregory KBE, CB, DL the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire congratulated Richard and Rachel on organising the event. He also reminded everyone how until as recently as 2000 LGBTQ+ people were banned from the armed forces. He is patron of the organisation Fighting with Pride which supports LGBTQ+ veterans who were expelled from the armed services. Commenting on Marlborough Pride he said, “This is fantastic. I’m really honoured to be here. These events make sure the LGBTQ+ voice is heard in society.”
Marlborough’s Mayor, Cllr Mark Luson, said, “What an incredible honour to be Mayor in Marlborough for the first ever Pride event.”
After thanking the many people who had helped to bring the event to fruition, Rachel Lynes commented, “We want to live in a world where everyone is free to be themselves and to love who they want.”
The speeches were followed by a march, with the banners held aloft, down the length of Marlborough High Street. There was a great deal of support shown from passing cars with plenty of hooting and beeping.
Then it was back to St Peter’s for a party with musical entertainment from Rachel’s Sing Space Musical Theatre choirs.
Everyone agreed that the event should be repeated and become an annual fixture in Marlborough’s calendar. Here are some comments from those attending:
“I’m really pleased they’ve brought this to Marlborough.” (Pewsey resident)
“It’s absolutely wonderful and so good to see it in Marlborough.” (Aldbourne resident)
“What a lovely crowd and a great turnout. It really brings together the community.” Emma from Hotpod Yoga
Pride takes over Marlborough High Street and St Peter’s
