Thousands flock to Solihull to celebrate love and diversity at first ever Pride

Thousands of visitors descended on Solihull town centre at the weekend to celebrate the town’s first ever Pride event.

Solihull Pride was organised by Solihull Business Improvement District (BID) and brought a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and diversity to the town centre.

The two-day event included a colourful parade, street food market and appearances from the likes of award-winning cabaret artist Fatt Butcher, celebrity hairdressers Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko, esteemed local presenter Phil Oldershaw, and featured musical tributes to Madonna, Cher and Elton John.

Melanie Palmer, chief executive of Solihull BID, said: “The first ever Solihull Pride surpassed all our expectations! The town centre was filled with love, kindness and unity.

“Every Pride event is a powerful platform to challenge discrimination and hatred. The happy faces, colourful flags, dancing and live music created a wonderful atmosphere of joy across the town centre. It sent such a positive message to all that equality and diversity are shared values that make our community stronger.”

Solihull Pride was made possible thanks to support from headline sponsor npower Business Solutions (nBS) and associate sponsors BNP Paribas Personal Finance, Davisons Law, John Lewis & Partners, Muse, Paragon Bank, Solihull College & University Centre and Touchwood. CGI, David Wilson Homes, Howden and The National Lottery Community Fund also provided support.

Town centre businesses supported the event with special offers, prizes and storefront decoration, helping to create an atmosphere of inclusivity throughout Solihull's bustling town centre. Some of the town’s best hospitality venues also hosted further events and activities across the weekend.