Pride success shows “love is stronger” despite vandalism attacks

The streets of Leamington Spa were a vibrant tapestry of colour and celebration on 17 August as the annual Warwickshire Pride festival returned to the Pump Room Gardens.   

Despite facing hate and vandalism in the run-up to the event, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies came together in a display of resilience and solidarity. 

In the days leading up to the festival, organisers were dismayed to learn that a far-right group had targeted Warwickshire Pride, with threats of anti-trans and religious-based protests also concerning the community.  

On the morning of the event, it was found the festival site had been vandalised. Pride flags had been burnt, gazebos destroyed, and shattered glass littered the grounds.  

However, organisers scrambled to clean up the mess and prepared for the day’s festivities, with an outpouring of support from local businesses and residents. Flags and funds were donated, and volunteers rallied to help decorate the site, ensuring that the festival would go on despite attempts at deterrence. 

“All the hate did was bring people together”

Daniel Browne, Warwickshire Pride Chair

On the day of the event, the Pride march proceeded through the town centre, and was followed by a packed day of entertainment, food, and celebration. An estimated 10,000 people attended the event, filling the Pump Room Gardens. 

Headlining the festivities were Drag Syndrome, a drag collective of performers with Down’s Syndrome. Local acts such as drag queen Sassi Afrika, rock band Man Made Moon, and Olly Alexander tribute artist Starstruck also took to the stage, showcasing talent within the Warwickshire LGBTQ+ community. 

The success of the event was celebrated by local figures. Daniel Browne, Chair of Trustees for Warwickshire Pride, said: “To see thousands of people showing their Pride and their support was fabulous. All the hate did was bring people together. The hate showed that love is stronger, and that Pride is very much still needed.”