Pride takes over Marlborough High Street and St Peter’s

Around 200 people took part in Marlborough’s first ever Pride event yesterday. (Wednesday June 24).

The march up and down the High Street heard singing from the Sing Space Musical Theatre Choir as well as cheers and hoots from passing cars and lorries.

The event was attended by Marlborough’s Mayor and Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory who serves as the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire.

He was appointed to the role in January 2023 to assist Dame Sarah Troughton in representing the King.

He is CEO of SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity and is Patron of Fighting with Pride (FWP). Initially Fighting With Pride was created to support those affected by the ‘Gay Ban’ lifted on 12th January 2000, where thousands of LGBTQ+ service personnel were removed or forced from service and abandoned

Addressing the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Church, he paid tribute to those gay people who were discharged with disgrace from the armed forces.

“Until 2000, being gay in the armed forces was illegal, and meant a dishonorable discharge. Some were even put in jail. Thankfully the military has moved on in the last 25 years, but there are still some very scarred veterans who were discharged who feel shamed and still can’t celebrate their service to this day.   

“Six years ago, a charity called Fighting with Pride was set up to support them.  A major review has been undertaken by the government to giving people reparations and creating a memorial at the National Arboretum, and that was unveiled by the King in October last year.  The fact that his majesty the King came personally is very important.  I am really honoured to be here and it is part of making sure the LGFBT+ community’s voice is heard in society and that we don’t regress. There is always a danger of that. “

Cllr Mark Luson,  Mayor of Marlborough said: “What an incredible honour it is to be Mayor for the first ever Pride.  Thanks  to everyone for turning up in the middle of a heatwave.  What is so important is that this is about education and educating people who don’t know what people go through.”

Organiser Rachel Lynes said: “This event is about visibility, community and belonging. We want LGBT+ people in Marlborough to know that they are valued, supported and celebrated. We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from local organisations, community groups and civic leaders.”

Speaking at the gathering, she said: “It is more important than ever that our voice is heard.  The truth is the are lots of people who do not feel safe or shamed for being who there are.  There are still many businesses who don’t stand up for equality because they fear opposition.   There are still places in the world where people’s lives are in danger because they are who they were born to be.”

Co organiser Richard Lowe said:  “It was both heartwarming and humbling to see so many people turn out for the event.  It was great to see and thanks to everyone who made the effort on such a hot day.  Judging by all the cheers and hoots from cars and lorries as we marched up and down the High Street, I’d say Marlborough Pride is her to stay.”