in the news
from April 2007

What do Yorkshire and the Humber TUC, Yorkshire Terriers and Yorkshire MESMAC have in common? Well, they've all got 'Yorkshire' in their name. But that's not it: if you add Bent magazine, Shout! Absolute Design, Red Carpet Events, and all the gay venues in Leeds, West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council you a few of the organisations throwing their weight behind Leeds Pride2 007.

This year’s Leeds Pride parade and party on August the 5th promises to be bigger and better than last year’s event, which attracted over 6,000 revellers to the city’s growing queer quarter. Liaqat Ali, from the planning group said: ‘We’re really pushing the boat out this year and wanted add something special to widen the event’s appeal. So as well as the parade through town and the biggest party in Yorkshire on Sunday the 5th, Saturday the 4th sees us transform The Queen’s Hotel, which is already one of the cities campest buildings, into a venue for the gayest of gay balls with great food, human statues, champagne, chocolate fountains, and top entertainment. For full details visit redcarpeteventsuk.com/pride/index.html’

Millennium Square is the meeting point for the Parade on the Sunday after a rousing send off from local dignitaries and guest celebs. Mark Thomson, Parade Coordinator said: ‘Last year’s parade was great; Leeds city centre didn’t know what hit it. The reception from bystanders was great and everyone on the parade got a real buzz. We want local groups to get involved on the day, you could perform on the parade drumming or trumpeting for example or get a group of pals together and come as a themed walking float, advertise your community group with a banner, anything you like really as long as we know beforehand.’

Once the floats and walkers reach Lower Briggate and disperse, the gay venues will take over the entertainment. Club Mission, for one day only, will be transformed into an all-weather market and community group space with everything from rainbow dreamcatchers to advice on hepatitis B. For more information on the parade contact Mark Thomson or visit Leeds Pride’s website