Cambridge Makes History with First-Ever Pride Parade
Today, Cambridge witnessed a historic moment as the city held its first-ever Pride march through the heart of Cambridge City Centre. The march, part of the fourth annual Cambridge Pride celebration on Jesus Green, marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity in the city.
For the past three years, Cambridge Pride has grown into a beloved community event, attracting thousands of attendees. This year, however, the addition of the parade takes the celebration to a whole new level. Organisers acknowledged the challenges of organising the inaugural march, requiring road closures, traffic diversions, and ensuring crowd safety. But their determination has come to fruition, creating a vibrant display of LGBTQ+ pride.
The celebratory atmosphere kicked off at 11.30 am, with participants gathering at the Jesus Green tennis courts to prepare for the midday march. The event itself is free and open to all, with the parade envisioned as an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to walk, wheel, and express themselves freely.
While exact figures are yet to come in, organisers anticipated over 15,000 attendees for the entire Pride event, with a significant portion likely to participate in the march. This surge in participation reflects the growing strength and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in Cambridge.
The march itself was just one aspect of the larger Cambridge Pride celebration. The festivities continued throughout the day at Jesus Green, offering a diverse range of entertainment, stalls, and activities for all ages. From drag performances and live music to community booths and a dog show hosted by a drag queen, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Cambridge Pride 2024 is a momentous occasion for the city. The first-ever march is a powerful symbol of progress and inclusivity, paving the way for future celebrations that showcase the vibrancy and diversity of Cambridge's LGBTQ+ community.