Town celebrates Pride after event banners defaced

Mayor of Congleton Kay Wesley said the town would not stand for "discrimination or ignorance"

Thousands have gathered in Cheshire to celebrate a town's fifth Pride event.

The mayor of Congleton, councillor Kay Wesley, wore rainbow butterfly wings to open the gathering at 11:30 BST.

"Our presence here is a testament to the fact we will not put up with discrimination and ignorance," she told the crowd.

Rainbow banners in the town have been cut and defaced in recent weeks, with incidents reported to police as a hate crime.

"We will keep on keeping on until love does prevail," Ms Wesley added.

A rainbow flag has been flown from Congleton Town Hall in support of members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The event features a choir, dance performances and acts including an Abba tribute band, with younger participants entertained by a children's magician and DJ.

Starting at 11:00 BST the parade marched from Back Park Street car park to the main stage in the heart of the town centre.

Representatives from Congleton United Reformed Church, a women's equality group and sponsors Kanga Health were among those to take part.

Nigel Evans from Congleton Musical Theatre society said it was important for him to support the march and "the ethos of what Pride stands for".

"We're doing Legally Blonde in October," he said. "It pushes that message forward."

Drummers, drag queens and local politicians joined in the parade

Co-founder Ronan Clayton said members of the crowd had formed around a small group of protestors reading Bible verses.

"The banners that were ripped down, the protesters that we've had today... It outweighs it completely when you have that love," he said.

He added small-scale Pride events were as vital as larger ones held in Birmingham and Manchester.

"It feels a lot more authentic... It just feels a bit more like you're coming into our house. It's our home and you feel a big warm hug."