Skegness Celebrates Diversity with Inaugural East Coast Pride, Welcoming All Hearts

In a vibrant celebration of diversity and acceptance, Skegness hosted its inaugural East Coast Pride event this past Saturday, drawing enthusiastic crowds and participants from afar. Organisers were taken aback by the overwhelming response from the community, with many attendees traveling from as far as Birmingham, Glasgow, Brighton, and London to partake in the festivities. Bradley Johnson, a key figure behind East Coast Pride, expressed surprise at the event's popularity, stating, "We didn't expect it to be this popular." He noted that the atmosphere was filled with joy and camaraderie, as attendees gathered for a day of entertainment and support. The event took place across five zones in the town, with the heart of the celebration located on Grand Parade, where the main stage hosted a variety of performances. Headlining the event was the UK touring and West End show, Queenz!, which provided a dazzling finale that left attendees buzzing with excitement. Local pride producer and event founder Matt Dickinson, who has deep roots in Skegness, shared his gratitude for the community's support, describing it as "phenomenal." He acknowledged the town's rich history in cabaret and theatre, asserting, "We know how to put a show on." The spirit of inclusivity was echoed by Peter Howe, a drag queen known as Beardry Barlow, who remarked on the significance of the event's success. "Queenz was the best finale that we could have had for our first year," he said, emphasizing the core message of the event: "Love is love. Pride is accepted. Just be accepting." Barlow encouraged those who may need support to reach out, embodying the event's ethos of community and acceptance. The success of East Coast Pride not only marks a significant milestone for Skegness but also highlights the growing movement of pride celebrations across the UK, where the LGBTQ+ community and its allies come together to celebrate love, acceptance, and equality. As the festivities wrapped up, attendees left with smiles, memories, and a renewed sense of belonging, hopeful for more gatherings in the years to come.