'A great day': Lowestoft's first Pride event is hailed

Lowestoft’s very first – and the UK’s most easterly Pride went ahead on Saturday. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Lowestoft’s very first – and the UK’s most easterly Pride event - took centre stage across two prominent parks at the weekend.

Lowestoft’s very first – and the UK’s most easterly Pride went ahead on Saturday. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

And although the rain hit Britain's most easterly Pride event on Saturday, organisers said the weather "didn’t dampen the fun and energy" with great performances throughout the afternoon.

Lowestoft’s very first – and the UK’s most easterly Pride went ahead on Saturday. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With Lowestoft Town Council organising the town's first Pride event across Sparrows Nest Gardens and The Ness Park - Lowestoft’s most easterly parks - they said it "was a great day."

Lowestoft’s very first – and the UK’s most easterly Pride went ahead on Saturday. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A town council spokesman said: "Lowestoft Town Council organised what was a great day and has finally put Suffolk’s second biggest town on the Pride map.

Lowestoft’s very first – and the UK’s most easterly Pride went ahead on Saturday. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"This was the first time that a Lowestoft Town Council event has used two stages.

Lowestoft’s very first – and the UK’s most easterly Pride went ahead on Saturday. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Just a couple of acts had to cancel because of the conditions.

Betty Tucks at Lowestoft’s very first – and the UK’s most easterly Pride - that went ahead on Saturday. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"However, with food, drink and information stalls, there was plenty on offer for everyone to enjoy."

The mayor of Lowestoft at the town’s very first – and the UK’s most easterly Pride - that went ahead on Saturday. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Town mayor Sonia Barker officially opened the event and said it was important that everyone in the community was recognised, included and celebrated.

The mayor of Lowestoft Sonia Barker and Chris Meek at the town’s very first – and the UK’s most easterly Pride - that went ahead on Saturday. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Taking to the Sparrows Nest stage, the mayor welcomed the crowds and performers.

Broadway Players at the Most Easterly Pride in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

She said: "Thank you for coming on this very rainy day and welcome to the most easterly Pride and Lowestoft’s first Pride.

Will Power at the Most Easterly Pride in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"It is an absolute honour to welcome you all here today as we celebrate inclusion and the wonderfully diverse people in our community."

Spotlights - LGBTQ Musical - at the Most Easterly Pride in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With "a big thank you" going out to all those who attended, braved the elements and supported Lowestoft's first Pride event, the town council spokesman praised visitors who "made this historic event for the town so special."

Betty Tucks at the Most Easterly Pride in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The spokesman added: "Not only was there was plenty of positive support on the day itself – but feedback included building on this initial success and planning ahead for next year and every year after."

The High Points at the Most Easterly Pride in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)