Walsall Pride: Navigating the storms (literally)
Walsall Pride returned to the Arboretum extension on Saturday 29th August, and come rain or shine the show went on. Following extreme heat and drought, then thunder, lightning and heavy rain in the area, and with more rain forecast for the bank holiday weekend organisers were forced to pivot and adapt to the changing circumstances to deliver this year’s event.
Describing it as feeling like “the longest week in Pride history”, the team went into crisis talks on Thursday morning; dealing with issues of keeping everyone safe and as dry as possible, accounting for fire risk calculations, and dealing with cancellations. After countless redrawn site plans, what resulted was stages rearranged, and in less than 24-hours, the sound and lighting team completely re-designed the main stage which this year was housed in a brand-new marquee.
Sharing the news on social media, Walsall Pride oraganisers explains: “Yes, things will look a little different. Yes, there are no inflatables. Yes, there are no rides. Unfortunately, we haven't quite mastered controlling the British weather... yet.
“While many events have had to cancel, we've done everything possible to make sure you still have a Pride to enjoy.
“Every decision we've made has been to keep everyone safe while making sure the celebration could still go ahead.
“We work with some truly amazing people, and we couldn't be more grateful to every single supplier, volunteer and supporter who has pulled together to make this happen.”
On the day, Walsall Pride visitors were met with rain the majority of which was thankfully light. There were even several dry spells too; leaving revellers free to explore the small selection of stalls, information booths and food and drink options, between sheltering in the dance tent, cabaret stage or main stage to enjoy the entertainment.
In the dance tent, the line-up included Martin Green, Larry Han, Josh Aldridge, Leanne Louise, House Monkyez, and Whitest. The cabaret stage hosted by Cleo Andrews and DJ Luke featured: Brenda LaBeau, Lady Imelda, Dr Bev, Ella Gant, Tanya Hyde, and the headliner Drag Race UK series 5 star, Dedelicious.
While on the newly designed main stage the line-up included: Livin’ Joy, Big Brovaz & Booty Luv, The Cheeky Girls, Nate Ethan, Betty Boo, Nikki Belle, The Midwest Princess (A Chappell Roan Tribute), Platinum Steps, Jay Carter Jamison, The Movement Project, Sam Wilson, and DJ James Ball.
The potential rain and thunder weren’t the only storms Walsall Pride navigated well this year either. In response to rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate and the terrorist attack in Berlin things felt a little different this year, at Pride events across the world. At Walsall Pride, signs could be seen outlining what to do in the event of an incident. In the Cabaret tent, Dr Bev reminded our trans and non-binary community that we would continue to fight for their rights, and called on the straight allies to do more to support the community. While Wayne Mansell took a moment during hosting the main stage to deliver an emotional speech; touching on the importance of pride, and the history of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.
The weekend also couldn’t pass without tributes being offered to two LGBTQ+ icons and allies, Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, both of whom passed away earlier this week. Brenda LaBeau paid tribute to Tim Curry in The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a rendition of Sweet Transvestite. While the Midwest Princess followed Chappell Roan’s The Giver with a tribute to the queen of country, Dolly Parton, with a rendition of I Will Always Love You.
Walsall Pride celebrations continue across the Bank Holiday weekend at both The Red Lion, featuring drag performances from a line-up of queens including Drag Race UK’s Bonnie Ann Clyde on Sunday 30th August, and at The Lion Bar and Club, with a live PA from Baga Chipz also on Sunday.
Comments