Preparing with Pride for town's first parade

A fundraising event for this year's Rotherham Pride took place at The Trades, in March.

The celebration returns on Saturday, July 14, with live music from LGBT choir Out Aloud, pop prince Smashby, rock band Storm Trees and Old Silkstone Brass Band.

The whole performance will be relayed live by British Sign Language interpreters, for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For the first time, the event will include a colourful parade through the town centre, starting at 10.30am, let by South Yorkshire Police Brass Band.

And an after-party will take place at The Trades, Greasbrough Road from 6pm to 2am, featuring drag king Adam All and drag queen Bipolar Abdul.

Kirsty Fletcher, chair Rotherham Pride’s committee chairman, said: “I hope Rotherham Pride 2018 provides a more diverse and inclusive event, and that the community and allies enjoy their first ever parade and many new features that this year brings.”

Entertainment manager Nicola Harding said: “I hope the wider community come along and get involved in what is the most vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Rotherham.

“We pride ourselves on being family-friendly — this year the stage lineup will have something for everyone.

“Personally, I can’t wait to hear the brass band perform, bringing a little bit of Rotherham heritage to our stage.”

Community swing dance collective RotherHop will conduct a free class at the bandstand from 4.30pm.

Group chairman Dave Doyle said: “We’re keen to show people that, although swing is old-fashioned, we don’t stick to old gender conventions.

“We want to see anyone and everyone giving partner dancing a go — whether leading, following or strutting your stuff solo.”