Council to host its first LGBT+ Pride event this September

Cheshire East Council is proudly hosting its first ever Pride in the Park Picnic event at Tatton Park – to celebrate and support the LGBT+ community.

The event takes place on Sunday 16 September, in the spectacular gardens of Tatton Park, in Knutsford, and will be open to visitors of all ages, offering lots of family-friendly activities and entertainment on the day.

Special guests include Brazilian carnival drum and dance act Juba do Leão, an Abba tribute performance from ‘The Twins’, and  performances from Proud Mary’s Choir, Cheshire Rock Choir and Sandbach High School Jazz band and Choir.

Visitors are invited to bring their own picnic from 10am and will also be able to explore the picturesque gardens of Tatton Park free of charge.

This colourful, fun-filled, celebratory event will feature a health and wellbeing marketplace for guests to receive key help and support from organisations such as Body Positive, Transforum Manchester and Diversity Role Models. Cheshire East partner agencies, including Cheshire police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will also attend.

David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire and key sponsor for all entertainment on the day, said: “I am very proud to support this event, which reunites the diversity of communities in Cheshire East.

“This event is a huge celebration in the LGBT+ calendar and I am personally committed to ensuring that Cheshire Constabulary works with its partners to eradicate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia across Cheshire.”

Councillor Stewart Gardiner, Cheshire East Council lead member for equality and diversity, said: “Pride in the Park Picnic will be a fantastic event for all visitors from Cheshire East and beyond and will be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the LGBT+ community by giving something back.

“This is just the first of many Pride events we are hoping to host in the future and it’s great that, this year, our Pride in the Park celebration will take place in the beautiful gardens of Tatton Park.”

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for equality and diversity, said: “Pride events are such vibrant occasions and I know this will be no different. You can expect lots of colour, great celebrations and a day to remember. I’m sure it will be a tremendous success.” 

The Pride in the Park Picnic will be a free event to all visitors, although standard entry fees to the park will apply for vehicle parking. A shuttle bus, supplied by Cheshire East Council’s wholly-owned company Transport Service Solutions, will be available on the day to transport people from Knutsford town centre into the park free of charge.

To find out more about this event visit www.prideinthepark.com.