‘Joy and excitement’ across York as Pride celebrations return to the city

Thousands of people gathered today (June 3) to join in the York Pride fun and light up streets across the city with color and smiles.

The festival kicked off at 12pm with the famous Pride parade from York Minster to Knavesmire – with lots of color as the floats made their way through the city centre.

Supporters gathered in the Minster by the thousands and carried their rainbow colors and flags in support of the event.

The crowd was heard chanting Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” as they prepared to join the parade.

A Pride supporter, Andrew Simpson, watched the parade on a special bike with ET as a passenger.

Andrew Simpson joins in the Pride fun in York (Image: Newsquest)

YO1 Radio hosted a float during the event, which was also supported by The Press.

Members of the York Labor Party also joined in the fun, showing their support with their banners and rainbow decorations.

One of York’s sightseeing buses, laden with flags and banners, parked in St Helen’s Square to take part in the parade.

Ambulance team members including North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Yorkshire Ambulance Service joined in the Pride fun with ambulances, police cars and fire engines decked out in rainbows.

Members of the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at York Pride (Image: Newsquest)

First Bus was also on hand to show its support by having a vehicle participate in the parade as a float.

Following the parade, crowds made their way to Knavesmire where they were treated to afternoon and evening entertainment.

For the main event, organizers have partnered with QueerArts UK CIC to offer a QueerArts stage sponsored by local organizations across the city including York University and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Organizers said the stage is the “first of its kind” and will promote local and indigenous LGBTQ+ talent across singing, dance, drag, burlesque, stand-up and more.

The First Bus team at York Pride (Image: Newsquest)

Headlining the stage will be singer Beth McCarthy, who rose to fame when she appeared on The Voice at the age of 16.

Community drag artists The Family Shambles will co-host the stage with lead presenter Bailey Bubbles and are sponsored by York-based consultancy Serendipity.

Also on stage will be a performance by York LGBTQ+ choir Colors of the Rainbow.

There will be an official after party at Ziggy’s Bar and Nightclub from 7pm until late at night.