THE first ever Pride March took place in Ross-on-Wye and was met with great acclaim.

The event was arranged in just three weeks after Beth Underwood suggested the idea on social media.

With people committing themselves to the proposed Pride March it enabled Beth to set about organising the event.

Beth said: “I’ve involved as much of the local community as possible. It’s been somewhat of a whirlwind since I made that suggestion.

“The march could have been bigger, but this is what could be achieved in that time period. I am grateful to the drummers from the Ross-based Forest Thump in providing the musical background to the Pride March.

“Because of the time factors I wasn’t able to apply for road closures with the local authority, so we worked out a route using only footpaths and pavements.

“I think Ross is an amazing community and is inclusive by visibly supporting the f lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. I am very proud for the town in doing that.

“There has been some hostility and negativity, but I am pleased to report that the positivity has shined through.

“ I set up a crowd funding campaign and we got almost all the funding I had been requesting. This has been boosted by a raffle and a silent auction

“However, we’ve seen a large crowd turn out to support us. It was great to see so many rainbows and Pride flags everywhere we went.”

Beth joked to the crowd at the Market House following the conclusion of the march that it could have been just the three main organisers taking part but she was relieved that so many people had chosen to join them.

Just prior to the Border Belles Choir entering the audience, the crowd began chanting:

‘Hugs not hate, Hearts held high, We celebrate in Ross-on-Wye’.