Sefton Pride is bringing its second celebration of the year to the Merseyside seaside town of Southport this Sunday, June 28. The event, organised by Sefton Pride CIC, follows the first gathering earlier this month at Lock & Quay in Bootle. Sunday's festivities will take place in Southport town centre, with additional Pride events at nearby venues including Parkinson's Books and Southport Bijou Cinema.
March and Main Event Details
Anyone wishing to join the Sefton Pride march is asked to gather at the Victoria Park entrance opposite Morrisons in Southport at 12pm. The march will step off at 12.45pm, proceeding along Duke Street and finishing at Southport Market on King Street, Southport, PR8 1LA.
Sefton Pride CIC founder and event organiser Jen Corcoran said: "If you'd like to join us for the march, then please come along to the entrance of Victoria Park opposite Morrisons. We will parade down Duke Street and head for Southport Market, where there will be entertainment, stalls, and markets, thanks to Merseyside Queer Markets. We have got a stunning line-up and can't wait to share the day with you."
From 1pm until 7pm, Southport Market will host live music, dance performances, and artisan stalls, alongside a Southport Pride Market organised by Merseyside Queer Markets. The indoor market will be open for food until 6pm and drinks until 7pm. Corcoran added: "The incredible Moonlight Events are our tech-sperts, and Merseyside Queer Markets are curating super stalls that will be in the indoor event space. Grab your mates and your glad rags and come join us."
Coinciding with Armed Forces Day
The Sefton Pride event takes place on the same day as Southport Armed Forces Day, which includes events at The Atkinson and in Kings Gardens. Merseyside Queer Markets said: "Sefton Pride is returning to Southport Market this year, and we're so very excited to be bringing you another queer arts market. Join us this Sunday for a celebration of queer talent, creativity, and community. Discover incredible local artists, small businesses, and charities with a prime view of the main stage. It's just a five minute walk from Southport Railway Station (and the beach) We hope to see you there."
Police and Fire Service Decision
This announcement comes after the Liverpool ECHO revealed that neither Merseyside Police nor Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service will be participating in any Pride events. The two organisations said they were following the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) national guidance on how local forces should maintain operational impartiality regarding Pride events, mandating that on-duty uniformed officers only attend to police the event securely. However, NPCC guidance is not law; therefore the decision is a force's own call. Chief Constables have operational independence, and while NPCC and College of Policing guidance sets national standards, forces can adapt or deviate from it based on local priorities and risk assessments.
