MPs send message of support for 11th staging of city Pride festival

The 11th staging of the annual event in West Park begins on Saturday and is being held over two days for the first time this year.

In a joint statement, Hull Labour MPs Alan Johnson, Diana Johnson, Karl Turner, and Brigg and Goole Tory MP Andrew Percy, said: “We would like to wish you a successful and happy 11th Hull Pride. As your local Members of Parliament, we feel very strongly about equality issues and support the amazing effort shown by the Hull Pride team.

“Their work to provide a community event which celebrates diversity, amongst the LGBT and wider community, is still very relevant and important. Our message is a positive one as we debate the issue of marriage equality and all that it signifies.”

Responding to the message, Hull Pride director Andy Train said: “Receiving a joint message like this from some of the people we vote into Parliament, to represent us, is significant and encouraging.

“Over a weekend of celebrating our individuality and our community’s diversity, it is important to recognise the struggle that continues to retain our right to have true equality.”

He added: “This type of support demonstrates how far things have come.

“We welcome those organisations and political groups who will be attending Hull Pride this weekend to raise awareness, gather support and encourage participation.”

The festival will be held from 11am to 8pm each day and tickets cost £5 per day or £8 for the weekend.

About 10,000 people are expected to attend over both days.

As well as featuring stalls, family activities and two licensed bars, artists appearing on the main stage include tribute acts to singers including Katy Parry and Adele, and headline acts including Basshunter, Marcus Collins and Alexandra Burke, the latter of whom will be appearing at 1pm on Sunday before heading off for a sell-out concert that night at Manchester’s MEN arena.

A lesser-known performer is expected to be Humberside Police Inspector Colin Waddington, whom organisers say has agreed to take part in the YMCA routine on the main stage.

Mr Train added: “It’s Hull’s personal freedom festival and we encourage families and friends to come along. You don’t have to part of a minority to support equality and reject discrimination.”

For tickets or more information visit www.hullpride.co.uk.