WORKING the weekend shift just gone meant covering Worcestershire Pride in the city, the first time I had attended such an event, and I was impressed.

There was plenty of the expected ‘camp’ - The Village People and Vengaboys blaring out from speakers, for example - which has always put me off, I suppose.

However, the friendly vibes and strong message of inclusiveness were prevalent throughout and I hope the festival can grow bigger in future.

It was mentioned by several in The Cornmarket that a bigger venue is needed, Pitchcroft, for example, and it’s easy to see why.

A bigger site and the event could grow to be one of the main points on the city’s calendar and not just for the LGBTQ+ community.

It certainly has all the ingredients: live music, a parade, a variety of food, alcohol, fancy dress.

But more importantly it was about bringing people together to promote something important, which other festivals don’t necessarily have as a driving force.

It was made very clear before things started by event treasurer Daniel Somerville that the day was marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the sacrifices the community has made and is still making today.

I don’t know the ins and outs at this stage, but it would seem there is a lack of funding available to the organisers to be able to afford to move away from the Cornmarket, which I was told cost close to £1,000 for the day.

But when you consider Worcester Carnival has a much bigger space at the racecourse to stretch its legs, surely Pride deserves the same if not more backing next year to be able to do the same.

With Malvern hosting its own Pride earlier this year and Evesham doing the same next summer, there’s certainly an appetite for it.

Another point that was interesting, was there was representation from most political parties and they were largely harmonious.

City council leader Marc Bayliss told me just before the parade kicked off: “We all stand for diversity and human rights. It’s something that transcends parties.”

It was a great point, and there aren’t many things the different parties agree on, on the face of things at the moment, but surely all politicians will do well to remember their job is not just about mudslinging.