BRAINTREE’S first ever Pride brought colour, laughter and fun to the town last weekend.

Revellers at the free event at Weavers Park enjoyed music and entertainment, with acts from drag performers and singers to dancers and a circus group.  

There were also more than 30 stalls focused on spreading awareness of not just LGBTQ+ issues, but also groups such as Mencap, Essex Police and local councils.

Happy - The volunteers worked hard to organise a successful dayHappy - The volunteers worked hard to organise a successful day. (Image: Sammy Carlton

Families enjoyed Caribbean food from ‘Diaspora Delights’ and there were free funfair rides for the children.

Rikku Moss, Braintree Pride vice chairman, said: “I and most of Braintree Pride committee members have spent a large amount of our lives in Braintree and it has never felt safe or welcoming to people like us, so we wanted to do something to create a safe and kind environment.

“Our goal is to build unity between the LGBTQ+ community and the whole of Braintree to help support and educate both communities to erase stigma."

Rainbow - The Pride flag and LGBTQ+ flags were proudly waved and displayed Rainbow colours - The Pride flag and LGBTQ+ flags were proudly waved and displayed (Image: Sammy Carlton)

She continued: “Braintree Pride was the first step of which we hope to be many more to achieving those goals and we welcome anyone and everyone to take part in future events and to feel free to be themselves.”

The Salvation Army donation centre in Braintree brought Barbie boxes for fun photos and furniture for a storytelling area to the event.

Volunteers worked all day to stage the event, which was enjoyed by many families.

Enjoy = Many local visitors had fun at many of the stalls which attended the Pride event. Enjoy - Visitors had fun at many of the stalls which attended the Pride event. (Image: Sammy Carlton)

Ms Moss continued: “We were so thankful for such a great turnout at our first event.

“Our host Shar Cooterie did an amazing job of bringing the day together with all of our incredible acts, from drag performers and singers to dancers and even a circus group.

“And a huge thank you to the staff at Braintree Foyer and Salvation Army Homes.

“None of this would have been possible without their help.”

Braintree Pride is welcoming feedback from visitors and stallholders in preparation for Braintree Pride 2025.

To get involved in Braintree Pride 2025, get in touch using the Braintree Pride UK Facebook page.