Ashford's first Pride a success

The town centre was awash with love, acceptance, music and diversity this weekend as Ashford celebrated its first ever Pride event. The colourful day saw over 2,000 people gathered to soak up the live music and performance at the bandstand, then take to the streets for the parade and then celebrating at the After Party at the Coachworks in Dover Place.

One of the organisers Thom Fentem said: “It was an incredible sight to see so many people joining us for our first Pride, it just shows that this was needed in our town. Putting on this event took around seven months of planning by a team of more than 20 volunteers, and around £8,000 of funding from commercial sponsors and fundraising. We are so very grateful to all those who have helped us launch this monumental moment in our town's history.”

Another organiser Sam Griffin said: “It was quite emotional seeing the amount of people who joined us and we were inundated with thanks and positive feedback from people and families from the LGBTQIA community and allies alike. We hope this will enable our community to feel accepted and seen in our town, something that we have found hasn't been the case in the past. Ashford showed up and it was a sight to behold.”

Pride Ashford will return on 21 June 2025 and in the meantime the group’s monthly Diversify and Diversifamily events will continue. Head over to their socials at prideashford or visit the Pride Ashford website for up to date events and news.