England’s smallest town celebrates Pride with live music, drag and inclusive sport taking over the town

Manningtree Pride took place in England’s smallest town with live music, drag comedy, burlesque and inclusive sport taking over the town on Saturday, June 15.

Approximately 1,000 people turned up on the event, which was held across 12 locations in the town, including the beach and the fire station.

Rowan Hunter, who organised Manningtree Pride, said it was the “most wonderful day full of fun and a lot of laughter.”

“It was the most fabulous day, from live music repping unsigned queer artists, delicious frozen margaritas and fierce drag queens, to dancing with sparkly hair and rainbow face paint on the beach,” he added.

All funds raised during Manningtree Pride will be donated to Colchester Kings RFC, which is the first gay and inclusive rugby team in East Anglia; inclusive singing group, Hic Sumus choir; and The Outhouse, a charity that provides opportunities for LGBTQ+ people throughout Essex.

Rowan added: “I really wanted to showcase that it’s not just about the big cities, it’s about rural communities as well.

“People are still being victimised because of the person they hold hands with and there is still hate crime, but these events show there is also love and joy and happiness when we all unite. I wanted people to know there are allies out there.”