Shopping centre to be taken over by TV stars this weekend

Warrington Pride is returning this weekend with special guest TV stars.

A sea of rainbows will take over Golden Square Shopping Centre on Saturday, June 8 as the town celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Building on the success of last year, there will be an emphasis on diversity and community inclusion for the 2024 edition.

The event aims to unite the community in the “spirit of acceptance and solidarity” and will feature a programme of activities. The festivities will comprise live music, workshops, thought-provoking talks, performances and showcases. There will also be a parade through the streets of the town.

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Guests will also be treated to performances by headline acts, RuPaul’s Drag Race winners Danny Beard, from Halewood, and Tia Kofi. They will both take to the stage to perform individually.

Jake Liken, creative producer for communities at Culture Warrington, told the ECHO: “Our communities have spoken loud and clear and told us that diversity, inclusion and representation is the most important factor to Warrington Prides success.

“They expressed the need for quieter, softer, more relaxed elements to compliment the programme, ensuring that Pride truly feels inclusive and accessible to all.

“In response, we’ve curated an offer that reflects their feedback to provide more space for considered conversations, provide new creative experiences that fill gaps, and contrast to the larger scales events that are on offer throughout the day.

“It’s about creating spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, valued and safe.”

Also at the Pride Month event is a variety of vendors and community organisations providing resources and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. TAGS (Teenagers, Gender & Sexuality), Warrington’s early help LGBTQ+ youth support service, will be on hand to offer a safe space for attendees to meet and socialise.

Warrington BID project manager, Amy Dawber, added: “The overwhelming response to our call for participation in the grand parade speaks volumes about the vibrant and supportive community we’re fortunate to have.

“As we eagerly await the main event, we’ve curated a whole host of activities and gatherings alongside our partners, each woven with the thread of inclusivity, ensuring there’s something to resonate with everyone who attends on the day.

“Put ethos revolves around nurturing inclusivity and encouraging unity, and Warrington Pride epitomises these principles wholeheartedly.

“From the parades to the poignant dialogues, from performances to workshops, we’ve endeavoured to fashion a haven where every individual feels not just acknowledged but celebrated.

“As we come together to celebrate love, acceptance, and diversity, let’s remember that Pride holds significance beyond just an event. It serves as a symbol of hope, resilience and a reminder of our collective responsibility to create a more inclusive world.”

June 8 events

Place to Pause – Conversation Space (Chester Uni, 10:00-3:30 pm)

A quieter place designed for reflection and connection. This space offers “stimulating creative activities, displays of community feedback and opportunities for meaningful discussions”. It’s a welcoming and safe haven to gather thoughts and share them, whether in a group or individually.

I put my love in your hands by Rachael Pirie (Chester Uni, 10:00-3:30 pm)

Experience an audio walking tour about identity, sexuality and “the simple yet profound act of holding hands with a stranger”. Featuring new voices from the Warrington queer community, this piece invites participants to dive into the narrative with provided headphones and players or via a QR code for later listening.

Warrington Pride Banner (Time Square, 11:30 am)

This year Culture Warrington introduces the first-ever Warrington Pride Banner. Created in collaboration with local LGBTQ+ people and artist Tara Collette, this banner will be a visual celebration of the community’s spirit and strength.

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