Pride in Bradford

Crowds enjoying Bradford Pride in the sunshine May 2009
Crowds enjoying Bradford Pride in the sunshine May 2009

I’m Jenny Wilson and am the ‘Producer’ of Bradford Pride this year (an upgrade from mere ‘Co-ordinator’ last year) and whatever the job title, working on Pride for The Equity Partnership Bradford is a real pleasure.

As well as a huge party in Centenary Square on Saturday 22nd May, I’ve also had the privilege of programming two smaller events in celebration of and with Bradford’s LGBT communities.
The Women’s Pride event took place on Friday 14th at the Midland Hotel and starred the brilliant Horse McDonald – I’d never seen her before, but after her brilliant solo performance on Friday I’m seriously tempted to go and see her at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield in June, because she sings her own beautiful songs so wonderfully.
On Thursday 20th May, again in the sumptuous French Ballroom at the fabulous Midland Hotel (our in-kind sponsors) the fun continues with the annual ‘Bradford Pride Evening of Comedy & Culture’.  Celebrated author Stella Duffy reads from her latest work, alongside poetry from James Nash.  Shipley’s own Isma Almas provides comedy, including her own short movie in which the eagle-eyed can spot some of the cinematic locations that are celebrated as part of Bradford’s designation as the world’s first UNESCO ‘City of Film’.  The brilliant and surprising Lucy Ellinson performs an installation piece as a girl-boy band member.
Topping & Butch - Cabaret Legends
Topping & Butch - Cabaret Legends

Cabaret legends ‘Topping & Butch‘  provide their own satirical and quirky songs (in fabulous costumes) and best of all, I get to dress up as my alter-ego ‘Mysti Valentine’ and co-host the evening (but that’s a whole other blog!)

And then there’s the ‘Big Event’ on Saturday.  2009 was the first time Bradford’s LGBT communities had taken to the city centre streets to celebrate Pride (previous Pride celebrations had been indoor events) and there was some concern about how well the wider communities in Bradford would receive it.  Well the sun shone, and the Square was filled with families, friends and passers by, all joining in the fun together.  The rainbow dresses of drag queens mingled with the footie shirts of fans who were there to watch the cup final in the bars in the Square, and everyone had a great day.
22nd May 2010 would have been the 80th birthday of celebrated gay rights activist, Harvey Milk, so its particularly poignant to be celebrating on this date.
OK, so central Bradford is a mess of roadworks and holes at the moment.  But according to the forecast the sun will shine this weekend – and whether you’re there to celebrate your sexuality, share an ice-cream with your favourite person, watch Eurovision pop sensation Sonia (or Lady Zaza, orShowbears, or the Cocquettes or any of the other great ecclectic mix of entertainment), get your kids’ faces painted, or just passing by on your way to the shops, you’ll get a whole new sense of ‘Pride’ in Bradford!
A member of 'The Bet Lynch Mob' dancers enjoys 'Pride' (letters by Hugh Jart)
A member of 'The Bet Lynch Mob' dancers enjoys 'Pride' (letters by Hugh Jart)

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