Perthshire Pride organisers have hailed this year's event as a huge success as crowds filled the city's North Inch for the colourful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
March and Atmosphere
There was an “amazing” atmosphere in the city's North Inch at the weekend as the annual Pride event took place. Led by Perth and District Pipe Band and Perthshire Brass, the crowd made their way through the city displaying colourful and inclusive flags and messages.
Letters to My Younger Self
Speeches were made by organisers, who highlighted the Letters to My Younger Self initiative, launched earlier this year as part of an exhibition. The free exhibition, which coincided with LGBTQ+ History Month, invited local people, theatre goers and members of the LGBTQ+ community to write letters offering kindness, reassurance and hope to their younger selves.
These deeply personal messages were suspended throughout the Theatre's conservatory, gradually filling the space with handwritten reflections. Letters to My Younger Self is an initiative by Marysia Macfarlane, one of the co-chairs of Perthshire Pride, with support from Star and Fiona Loudon Steele.
Founded on the belief that shared stories can foster empathy, healing and pride, the exhibition creates a welcoming space for voices that are too often unheard. Contributors were encouraged to reflect on identity, belonging, resilience and self-acceptance - themes that sit at the heart of Pride.
Organiser's Reaction
The success of the event for another year was hailed by Marysia, who said leading the march was one of the “proudest moments of her life”. She said: “What an incredible day for Perthshire Pride. Months of hard work from our volunteer team came together, and once again Perth showed up for us in full force. The atmosphere across the city was absolutely brilliant — the streets were buzzing, the energy was joyful, and our venue at The Ice Factory was packed from start to finish.
“This year's Pride was a celebration of community, visibility and togetherness. Our running order featured an amazing lineup of local artists and performers, including Mrs C, CJ the Party Prince, Demi McMahon, Jack Given, Nicole Grahame, Perth Parrots, Abby Lou, Larson, Callum Edwards, Ty n The Boiz, and our evening performers Charrá Tea, Dahlia Mugler, Samosa, Ocean Supreme, Mx.Ollie.G and Atreus Star.
“Every single act brought something special to the day, and the crowd responded with huge support. Perthshire Pride continues to grow, and Saturday proved just how much love there is for our LGBTQ+ community here in Perth and beyond. We're proud, we're grateful, and we're already excited for what comes next.”
