ORGANISERS have hailed a day of colour, passion and most importantly pride at an annual Glastonbury celebration.

The Intersex Pride Progress flag flew over the town hall for Glastonbury Pride 2024, took place, on July 28, celebrating the event’s theme of Unity Through Diversity.

Street entertainment ran throughout the day at Market Cross, including the Glastonbury Border Morris, who were joined by Molly No-Mates, Bristol’s premier queer, drag king Molly dancing team.

The lighting of a Unity Candle and a blessing from the priest of Antinous the Gay God officially opened the day.

Later, after some entertainment – including the Dragon Drummers – a pride procession saw the crowd take the handholds of the long rainbow Intercom Flag and follow Unity the Unicorn and the Unity Candle up the High Street, along Chilkwell Street, down Bere Lane, Fishers Hill and Magdelene Street, ending up at Benedict Street.

MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton) opened events at the Bonaroo at Ben’s and visitors were treated to performances from singers and dancers, as well as two performers who travelled all the way from Plymouth to take part: Lady Shakira Diamond and Violent May.

Free food was provided by Eric and there were various stalls providing information and opportunities to support local LGBT+ businesses.

The raffle helped raise money for three charities – Mermaids, SWISH and Somerset 2BU – who have been sent £75 each.

“About 150 people attended in total and we would like to thank: the Queen of Cups for hosting the Pride brunch; St Benedict’s church for allowing us to use their venue for the second year for our Pride entertainment; all of the local businesses who donated raffle prizes; Unison for the use of the gazebo and the hire of the Intercom Flag; those who gave up their time to help in any way, and, of course, all of those who attended,” a spokesperson said.

However, organisers said the event had prompted some negative reactions online.

“The build up to this year’s Pride sadly attracted a lot more online opposition than in previous years, which reminds us that Pride is a protest and that we must continue to gather to have visibility and our voices heard, to stand in solidarity with oppressed LGBT+ people in other parts of the world and to continue to fight for equal rights and acceptance here, as well as to remain vigilant that the rights we already have are upheld. To this end, we look forward to Glastonbury Pride 2025,” the spokesperson added.

For more on the organisation, and how to get involved, visit www.facebook.com/glastonburypride.