Nottinghamshire Pride returns as full-scale event following Covid

Pride means something different to everyone and that is what makes it special, organisers say

Thousands of people paraded through the streets of Nottingham for the city's pride celebrations - the first full-scale event since 2019.

Organisers said that in 2021 Nottinghamshire Pride was held on a reduced scale, while in 2020 it was held online due to Covid.

The event had the theme, "We See You", and aims to support Nottingham's LGBTQ+ community.

Chair Leigh Ellis said it was wonderful to be "back in full force".

Attendees gathered at Lister Gate ahead of the march at 11:00 BST.

Carnival-themed marching bands, Nottingham Samba Collective and Can Samba, kept people entertained

It was led by a Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service engine, while carnival-themed marching bands, Nottingham Samba Collective and Can Samba, kept people entertained.

The march travelled to Albert Street, Beastmarket Hill, Long Row, Pelham Street, George Street and concluded at Broad Street at about noon.

Singers, dancers, speakers, performers and DJs took to a stage on Heathcoat Street.

Acts included singer and dancer Jamie Fuxx, singer-songwriter Rob Green and a Britney Spears tribute act, Michaela Weeks.

There was also a DJ set from Nottingham legend, Charity Shop Sue.

'Fabulous diversity'

Revellers said it was an amazing turnout after lockdown in 2020 and people enjoyed the carnival atmosphere.

Around 9,000 people attended the reduced-scale march in 2021, which was held in September, but organisers expect the final numbers to be even higher this year.

Mr Ellis said: "We want to show the people of Nottingham the visibility and the fabulousness of our LGBTQ+ community.

"It means something different to everybody.

"It's their opportunity to be seen, it's their opportunity to be heard and it's their opportunity to be part of a community."

He added it was "great" to be hosting the event for another year.

"Although last year's event was brilliant, it was significantly more scaled back due to the pandemic."

The 2022 event had the theme, We See You, and aims to support Nottingham's LGBTQ+ community

Craig Martin, co-chair of Nottinghamshire Pride, said the event had been around in many formats.

"Each year, the event reflects the fabulous diversity we have right here in our city.

"Pride represents something different to so many different people, and that's what makes it so special," he added.