Rain fails to dampen spirits at Swindon Pride (From This Is Wiltshire)

Rain fails to dampen spirits at Swindon Pride

7:00am Monday 16th August 2010 in

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THOUSANDS of revellers – many with rainbow flags and umbrellas – defied the dull and drizzly weather to attend Swindon and Wiltshire Pride.

A large crowd packed into the Old Town Gardens to take part in a colourful parade around the town and enjoy an a varied line-up of musicians, including pop star Toyah Willcox.

The free event, organised by the Swindon and Wiltshire Pride Committee, aimed to celebrate and encourage tolerance and diversity in the community.

Jo Sharpe, who chairs the committee, said: “It was a fantastic atmosphere. A lot of people turned up and the rain didn’t dampen their spirits.

“It was nice to see the whole park full, rather than people just focusing around the Bowl.”

She added: “Pride for us has always been about the whole community getting together and about people accepting other people and other people’s differences. And the number of people and families who came along showed there really is great unity in Swindon.”

The festival started when around 150 people embarked on a circular parade from the gardens through the streets of Old Town.

Led by a fire engine draped in a rainbow flag, the walkers waved their own banners, danced with umbrellas, and blew vuvuzelas to the sound of Swindon Samba Band.

Throughout the day, hundreds of people gathered in front of the Bowl to watch dozens of top acts, ranging from rock groups and tribute singers, through to cabaret musicians and drag artists.

The headline act was 1980s pop singer Toyah Willcox, who got the audience dancing and singing with a selection of her hits, including It’s a Mystery.

Across the park, the bandstand showcased some local talent, including Swindon Samba Band, Lady Insane, the Shudders and the Meatals. A new zone at this year’s festival was Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, sponsored by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, which aimed to promote physical and mental health.

Among organisations with stands at the zone were the Samaritans, the Service Users Network Swindon (SUNS), the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Rethink and Polefect fitness studio.

Other organisations with a presence in the park included Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Swindon College, Swindon CAB and Amnesty International.

In the market zone, dozens of people had henna tattoos painted and also bought refreshments and other items.