Romford Pride Returns with Colourful Celebration of LGBTQ+ Community Here In Havering.

Romford’s annual Pride event brought colour, music and a strong message of inclusion to the heart of the town on Saturday as visitors gathered at the Mercury Shopping Centre to celebrate the borough’s LGBTQ+ community.

Stalls filled the shopping centre throughout the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere where residents could meet local organisations, access support services and celebrate diversity in a welcoming environment.

The event attracted people of all ages and backgrounds, with many stopping to enjoy the entertainment, browse the stalls and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Carrie from Kaleidoscope told The Havering Daily that events such as Pride in Romford are more important than ever.

“The current political climate in Havering and across Essex has left a lot of LGBTQ+ people feeling vulnerable. A Pride event in a local shopping centre is a step towards creating a more inclusive borough.”

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed a celebration of identity, friendship and community spirit.

“Pride in Romford saw young people making friends and celebrating their identity, same-sex couples shopped the market hand in hand, and Drag King Don One sang to the shoppers passing by.”

For organisers, the event was about much more than entertainment. It was about creating a safe and welcoming space for those who may feel isolated or unsupported.

“These vibrant spaces have been created for those who have suffered persecution in their life, for those who are scared to come out to their parents and for anyone who doesn’t feel safe in Havering.”

Carrie explained that increasing visibility remains a key aim of the organisation’s work.

“We want to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community so everyone feels that they belong in their hometown.”

Kaleidoscope has become a familiar presence in Havering, working throughout the year to support LGBTQ+ residents and provide opportunities for people to connect, socialise and access support.

The organisation has a busy programme ahead, with plans already underway for future events.

“Kaleidoscope will continue hosting LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, with The East London LGBTQ+ Film Festival coming up in November. We are also already planning Pride in Romford 2027, so please get in touch if you’d like to get involved!”

Saturday’s event once again highlighted the diversity of Havering’s community and demonstrated the importance many residents place on creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to be themselves.

As the music played and shoppers stopped to enjoy the festivities, Pride in Romford delivered a simple but powerful message: everyone deserves to feel that they belong in the place they call home.

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