Romford Pride-A Vibrant And Hot Day!

On a hot and sunny Saturday, 28 June, Romford hosted its Pride Festival!

Adam All and Apple Derrieres kicked off the day with a vibrant double act that spoke about how Pride started as a riot and has become a celebration of love. This is a sentiment that resonated throughout the day. This was followed by a surprise karaoke session where groups of young people took to the stage to sing their hearts out to Chappell Roan and Beach Bunny.

Crowds gathered and friendships formed as everyone danced in the sun. Radio presenter and LGBTQ+ activist, Jo Bailey hosted the day and brought wit, charm and dancing to the stage.

People were once again invited to the stage to Vogue alongside Karteer, a London based award winning dance instructor. Chamonix, who was at the first Romford Pride in 2017, made a return to the town on her birthday no less, encouraging the audience to sing her Happy Birthday. 

Miss Madonna by Jodie Jackson closed the event with classic hits such as Material Girl, Vogue, and American Pie. Her set was enjoyed by everyone, including passersby visiting Romford Market. Plenty of selfies were taken with each of the performers.

Pride in Romford coincided with Armed Forces Day and marks 25 years since the lift of the LGBT Ban. Alan, a retired sailor, presented a speech that was read on his behalf.

‘I served under the ban from 1988-2000 as I was a civil servant at the time. I joined the Royal Naval Reserves in 1993 whilst still under the ban. In 1996 I joined the Navy full time’. He spoke about being ‘one of the lucky ones’ who served 29 years. His friends & colleagues weren’t so fortunate. He described how they were ‘investigated & interrogated, intrusively medically examined, court martialed and sent to prison. They lost their livelihood, income, medals & pension’. 

This touching speech amplifies the importance of celebrating Pride. 

Community was at the heart of the event, the activities and performances were decided on by the local young LGBTQ+ community through a series of workshops organised by Kaleidoscope. During Pride in Romford, participants were invited to decorate a Pride flag and join in with a chalk mural on the ground. 

Pride in Romford wouldn’t have been possible without the support from The Romford BID, Havering Changing, Forever Callie Media, and all of the lovely volunteers. 

Kaleidoscope works all year round to provide a safe space for 17-24 through a monthly meet up at Lumiere. The first Tuesday of every month, 5pm – 7pm. Free to join.

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