Southend Pride returns with organisers expecting big crowds

Southend Pride was launched in 2018 and has drawn huge crowds of LGBTQ+ residents and allies in the years since.

Popular - Last year's Pride saw thousands of residents get involved (Image: Gaz de Vere) With the event set to return to the city’s streets tomorrow, organisers are expecting the “current political context" to take Pride back to its radical roots.

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Sam Adams, Chair of Southend Pride, said: “We normally get around 2,000 people taking part in the march, but I think this year will be even bigger because of the current political context we find ourselves in.

“The hostile environment that has been created around transgender people has given the whole community a reason to fight back and demand change.

“Pride events across the country have had a more political edge this year, because the community just has a lot it wants to say.”

On April 16, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex – a ruling that many transgender people and LGBTQ+ campaigners say is a blow to the rights of society’s most vulnerable.

Stars - Last year's Pride saw performances from drag queens Crystal and Kenzie Blackheart (Image: Gaz de Vere) According to Sam, at a placard making workshop earlier this week, the vast majority of those made were in support of transgender causes.

While this year’s Southend Pride is set to see a greater emphasis on protest and political activism, Sam is clear that it will nonetheless have the same celebratory atmosphere of years gone by. 

"It's a fantastic event for everyone and we get a lot of families coming along to enjoy the events throughout the day," said Sam. 

"We've got Jordan Gray headlining and a load of other great performers on the line-up as well."

Adding: "It may be difficult for some LGBTQ+ residents to be themselves at home, but Pride is the one place where they can truly be themselves and see that they have a community who really cares," said Sam. 

Southend Pride, sponsored by Fireserv UK, will kick off at 11am tomorrow, with the march moving down the High Street at towards Warrior Square from 12pm.

Bustling - The event is one of the city's most popular (Image: Gaz de Vere) Attendees will be able to enjoy entertainment and stalls will be at Warrior Square Gardens throughout the day.

You can find out more information about Southend Pride at southendpride.org.uk