Colours of the rainbow to celebrate decriminalisation of homosexuality

Up to 10,000 people are expected to pour into Hull this weekend for a spectacular rainbow parade and concert headlined by Soft Cell singer Marc Almond to mark the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Former Soft Cell frontman Marc AlmondFormer Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond
Former Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond

Roads will be closed on Saturday for the first ever UK Pride which starts at noon outside Hull College and features 50 “gay icons” including an eight-foot Gok Wan, Dusty Springfield and Tom Daly, which artists have been working on for the past two months.

Almond takes to the stage in the early afternoon along with Eighties charttopper Sonia and Hull drag artist Bobby Mandrell.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Up to 3,000 people will be parading and they are being encouraged to go all out with their rainbow-themed costumes, flags and make up. Friends and family - as well as pet dogs - are welcome to the free event. Police and private security officers will be patrolling and festivalgoers will have their bags checked.

The event marks the start of a week of celebrations which culminate the following Saturday with a Duckie Summer Tea Party in Queen Victoria Square, including a 50-performer dance show by Gary Clarke and Yorkshire Dance.

In the evening BBC Radio 2 presents I Feel Love, a live concert from Hull City Hall, with a line up including Will Young, Alison Moyet and Tom Robinson.

Related topics: