Gay pride marchers paint town pink

6:56pm Sunday 13th July 2008

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More than 150 gays and lesbians blew whistles and flew flags as they marched through the centre of Oxford for the first time on Saturday.

The colourful parade weaved its way from Oxford Castle in New Street to Oxpens Field, beside Oxford Ice Rink - the venue for the sixth annual Oxford Pride.

Hundreds of people enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, including comedy, drag acts, music and a dog show - with categories for both the cutest and butchest pooches. There were also dozens of trade and food stalls.

Among those performing on stage were drag superstar Courtney Act and young guitarist Lydia Pritchard.

Oxford Pride chairman Mazz Image told the Oxford Mail the festival had been great fun and was an important event in the city.

She said: "Pride events are an opportunity to come together to celebrate with all your friends and family, and we had a fabulous, fun day in the sun celebrating the gay and lesbian community in Oxford.

"There were about 150 people with rainbow flags parading through the city - it was our first parade and it went really well."

This year's Oxford Pride was officially opened by lesbian comedian Clare Summerskill, twin sister of Ben Summerskill, chief executive of the gay rights organisation Stonewall.

After cracking a few jokes, she told the gathering crowds: "These events show we think it's important to raise awareness and consciousness among a population that often forgets there are gays and lesbians all around them.

"The march was so important. It lets people know that we exist and that we have no intention of being invisible. It's a wonderful day in Oxford to celebrate our sexuality. It's a special day."

Following the afternoon's free entertainment, an all-night party was held at Imperial Royale nightclub in Park End Street. Other gay venues in the city also stayed open late celebrating the occasion.

Visitors came from across the country. Alan Peterson, 33, from Stratford-upon-Avon, told the Oxford Mail during the afternoon: "I think these events are very important. They are about inclusion and celebrating diversity."

Sharon Mason, 39, from Birmingham, added: "Birmingham Pride is always in May when it rains a lot, so I'm glad it's sunny.

"It's been a good show. It's been fun."

Oxford resident Lee Mahon, 33, said he had been to a couple of similar events in London but not for a few years. He said: "It's my first Oxford Pride. I didn't know what to expect, but it's been good. I think it's good for the community and good fun."