HAVING proved last year that a Pride March could work in Ross-on-Wye, organisers pulled out all the stops this year for the town’s first official Pride event and were overwhelmed with the public’s response.

The participants, numbering some 100 people of all ages, assembled at the town’s bandstand wearing all sorts of colourful clothing and hats, whilst holding banners and flags before being led by a number of drummers to march off around the town.

The parade passed the historic Market House and meandered down Broad Street before finishing at the Hope and Anchor pub on the banks of the River Wye.

Sam Smith, chairman of Ross Pride Connections, said that it appeared that the whole town had come together and celebrated with them and that he was pleased with the crowds that had lined the streets of the town to watch the spectacle.

The event was supported Ross Town Council and the town’s mayor, Cllr Sarah Freerer and other councillors could be seen marching with the parade.

A number of local businesses helped with the funding of the Pride march, and this helped create the colourful rainbow atmosphere that is symbolic of Pride events.

Mr Smith reflected on the first parade held in Ross last year and pointed out that because of the timing restraints at the time, the parade was confined to pavements and alleyways.

He added: "This is our second year running Pride, our first official year, so we've been a bit more proactive about advertising. We’ve been delighted with the response; in fact it’s been fantastic.”

Mr Smith added that because of the response from the town he believes that the organisers can build on this for next year, because of the goodwill it has generated, and he hopes that running it for a third time, it will gain more interest from people in the town.