Torbay Pride photos: Rainbows emerge amid the showers

Not even the rain could dampen the solidarity, love and community of the English Riviera last weekend, as hundreds took to Torquay seafront for Torbay Pride. 

Although the celebrations on Saturday night and Sunday were scuppered by heavy rain, the Torbay Pride Parade was bigger than ever, with the procession unfurling two giant rainbow flags. 

The event, which made a comeback after a 10-year absence last year, featured not just a giant parade, but over 70 stalls, fringe events, parties, bars and food outlets. There were also stilt walkers, giant bubble makers, a flash mob and more. 

For entertainment, incredible local tributes of Pink, George Micheal, Elton John and Amy Winehouse took to the stage as well as drag queens Ruby Slippers and Dame Cherry Popping.

“It was super busy and the atmosphere was electric,” said Chris Smith, Chairperson of Torbay Pride.

“We managed to get both flags out and each was 200 ft long. We really enjoyed the day and there was a real diversity in the crowd. We had toddlers carrying flags alongside 80-year-olds. That's what it's all about for us, to include the whole community and make sure everybody's welcome.”

While the latest Pride has only run for the last two years, the event is growing and becoming ever more established. 

Chris said: “We’ve worked hard over the last two years to build a community. Doing these events means we’re getting a core group of people but we’re seeing new faces all the time. 

“We’re getting people who are coming along and forming friendships, and then finding this event and our community can be a place where you feel comfortable in your own skin and be who you want without judgement. That’s why we’re doing it.”

The event was also a significant boost to the local economy, which aimed to prioritise local charities, traders and caterers. 

“We had an ethos of keeping things local. Most of the organisations and businesses who came were from a radius of about 25 miles from Torbay. I want Pride not just to be an important cultural event, but also a big boost to the economy as well.”

Chris Smith and the members of the Torbay Pride team would like to thank the event’s sponsors for their generous support: BAys BRewery, Havills, Pier Point, Co-Op, Tolchards Drinks, Devon and Cornwall Police, South West Water, Woodrow Retirement Home, Stagecoach, the English Riviera BID Company, Unison SW and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Chris added: “Of course, a huge thank you to the countless volunteers, traders, security and organisers who made this happen, despite some challenging conditions. Without you, we would never be able to do this.”