Pride in Moray event attracts hundreds of attendees to Forres

AROUND 1000 revellers attended the third LGBTQ+ festival organised for the region on Saturday.

Forres hosted Pride in Moray for the second year running, again starting with speeches at the War Memorial before a colourful march through High Street to Grant Park for the Pride Village in the afternoon then an after-party at the town hall later on.

Pride in Moray chairman, David Harrison, launched Pride In Moray 2024 with a speech of his own.

He said: “I focused on the accomplishments of Pride in Moray in the last year, such as becoming a charity and winning a Proud Scotland Award.

“I also highlighted the let down of both the Scottish Government and the UK government on the continued lack of a ban of conversion therapy.”

He added: “Overall, the event went very well. We had hoped for better weather - the mist gave the park a slightly eerie look - but the temperature wasn’t too bad.

“The atmosphere was positive and the crowd was buzzing anyway!”

More than 50 vendors supported the event, offering food, drink, crafts, gifts, freebies and more.

Pride in Moray committee member and local drag queen Idah Dun’im was host for the day on the main stage, which also featured music from Lee Rodgers and Boys Should Learn.

The Pride Village also had a youth space with activities and a safe space to relax.

The after-party on Saturday evening showcased up-and-coming talent including social media drag queen Cherry West, boyband Just the Brave and showbiz journalist, Bev Lyons.

Moray Councillor Scott Lawrence (Forres, SNP) attended with his daughter.

He said: “It was great to see so many people attend another well organised event in the centre of Forres.

“It was important to join the march, to stand with others to promote inclusion, diversity and non-discrimination.

“We enjoyed the Pride Village and it was great to see people of all ages joining in the fun.

“A great deal of credit goes to the organising committee for an event which promoted the Pride movement - and Forres - very well!”

Pride In Moray aims to increase visibility for the LGBTQ+ community - to raise awareness of local issues and experiences.

The charity provides signposting for advice and support, and facilitates social events to help address isolation, while promoting fair and equal treatment.

At the end of last year, Pride in Moray received Scottish charity status. It still relies on donations and sponsorship to keep the annual Pride in Moray event free to attend.

The next event is the Pride in Moray awards on November 17 at Elgin Town Hall with entry by donation.

David finished: “It’s the perfect opportunity to vote for people, clubs or organisations who have positively contributed to the LGBTQ+ community in Moray … So get voting!”

For more information visit https://pridemoray.co.uk/

See more pictures in this week’s print edition of the Forres Gazette.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.