ON SATURDAY Tetbury made history with the very first Pride in the town, a day filled with love, acceptance, and celebration of diversity, writes Kevin Painter.

Richard Stevens Chairperson of Pride in Gloucestershire said: "The 1st Pride in Tetbury was a huge success, despite the rain, we were able to adapt thanks to the amazing support of the team at the Goods Shed Arts Centre and hold the event inside.

"Our Tetbury based team of volunteers have be fundraising hard for the past 18 months and it's thanks to their efforts, the donations the people of Tetbury made and the sponsorship from IND Plumbing and Heating that this event was able to go ahead.

(Image: Kevin Painter) "It was the LGBTQ+ community of Tetbury that came to us asking for support to run their first Pride and giving visibility to the community in small towns across the county is vital to be able to connect our isolated community and to tackle some of the discrimination that still exists today.

"The fact that this was a town led, a town-funded and a town-attended Pride is a real testament to Tetbury in it's commitment to show what an inclusive place it can be to live.

The day with drag queens, a dog show, superb up and coming singers and space for the Trans* community and for children and young people to enjoy the safe space that Pride provides was enjoyed and appreciated by all.

(Image: Kevin Painter)

"As some visitors commented, it's about time this happened in Tetbury and very much needed."

The event was opened by The Mayor of Tetbury Cllr Peter Coleman who said he was very proud to open the day and being the first open Gay Mayor of Tetbury.

Tetbury’s’ very own Debbie Marshall – Service Manager from the Coventry Building Society, said: ‘’I would like to say a huge thank you to those who came to our first ever Pride Day in Tetbury, it was a great turn out despite the weather.

"I felt very proud of the committee members who helped to organise this event.

"I feel Pride is about love, acceptance, education, and celebration. It’s about being free to be who you want to be.

"Pride is the opportunity to be open and honest with yourself and others. Treat people how you want to be treated and to be kind!