Blackburn Pride 2023 was bigger and better this time than when it made its debut last year.
Our town centre streets were awash with all the colours of the rainbow as this year’s Pride procession made its way from its starting point on Cathedral Square.
Councillor Jim Shorrock, Chair of Blackburn Pride Committee, looked a bit worried before this event was due to start. His main concern was how the weather would fair. It did feel like rain was in the air, but Jim had no need to worry. It didn’t rain on his parade.
Due to possible inclement weather, Jim had also worried about this affecting the festival’s attendance. Once again, he didn’t have to worry. Last year’s turnout exceeded expectations, this year’s event was even larger.
My buddies were joined having their breakfast in the Postal Order. We left earlier than on a usual Saturday to get a seat outside the Drummer’s Arms, where they opened earlier than usual at 11.00am. This was a good vantage point to not only watch the Pride procession, but to also listen to music from a temporary stage erected nearby.
On Monday dinnertime I went for a pint in the Rock Box and there was the man himself, a relieved Councillor Jim, having a brew. As expected, he was very pleased with how everything went with Saturday’s festival. When asked what the most challenging aspect was of organising it, Jim replied pulling in advertising and sponsorship to pay for this year’s Pride. But after two successful events, sponsors and advertisers were now approaching the Pride Committee about next year’s festival.
What was quite amusing was seeing some of the frozen faces and frowns from people who obviously didn’t approve or agree with what this festival was all about. But that was lost on the vast majority of people who turned up that day. Their numbers were made up of LGBTQ and straight people, of all ages including elderly and children.
Their main talking point though was how noticeable Blackburn with Darwen’s new Mayor was by his absence. Some unfairly called him a bigot. Others said he’d lost his bottle after seeing the abuse last year’s first citizen, Solly Khonat, received when he opened Blackburn’s inaugural Pride. But most people who attended this year’s event didn’t give a damn where the Mayor was, or even whether our borough really needs one. They said Blackburn needs it’s Pride more than it needs a Mayor.