Hundreds of people braved the rain in an explosion of colour and glitter this weekend for Kendal Pride.
The now annual event – billed as ‘pride done differently’ – took over the Cumbrian town for its second year from Friday until today, Sunday June 16, offering a host of activities for people of all ages.
Despite the weather, people enjoyed Zumba, yoga and performances from Bossyking, drag king Andi Blewitt, drag queens Nova Gina, Patty Dale and Ruby Sinclair, plus a special early evening finale with students from Kendal College.
Jamie Hooper, chair of the organising group, said: “The weekend has been absolutely wonderful and we’re thrilled that so many people turned out in the authentic Cumbrian weather to celebrate pride together.
“Kendal Pride is a thoroughly lakeland affair and we really leaned into our ‘pride done differently’ ethos with loads of outdoor events, and wrapping up in their waterproofs and celebrating together.
“We had a fantastic team of volunteers, performers and stallholders and we’re already looking forward to 2025.”
This year the festival took place across a range of venues, but the Pride Village moved to Abbot Hall for the first time, with a host of stalls and free activities taking over the riverside.
As well as cycles, walks and open water swims, visitors brought their dogs along too, taking part in a special ‘proud pooches’ dog show in collaboration with Animal Rescue Cumbria.
The festival was funded by Arts Council England, National Lottery Awards for All, Kendal Town Council, Kendal Business Improvement District and Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
As well as the funding received, Kendal Pride is being made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors Douglass Grange chartered accountants, Levens Village Shop and Penningtons Tea and Coffee.
