Cumbria Pride saw thousands of people attend the open air show on the weekend.

The yearly show of LGBTQ+ pride was organised by the titular charity, Cumbria Pride, and featured live entertainment, charities being promoted, and an all-round party atmosphere.

Moving on from the Carlisle Castle, this year’s took place at Caldew Riverside Car Park, just off the viaduct and near the station.

Slightly less accessible than last year’s Pride, but you wouldn’t know it thanks to the huge attendance.

While pride events have their roots in political protest, events these days tend to be more family friendly, positive and free-spirited, although that didn’t stop some people from reigniting that fury.

Free Radicals were present after their debut last year at Cumbria Pride, this time hosting a stall selling art and curios, as well as allowing people to write letters to the new Prime Minister that would then be delivered.

Anti-Racist Cumbria were promoting their charity, as youth mentor and journalist Chimwemwe Chirwa, explained why they were there: “We’re here on a mission that started two years ago that was to make Cumbria the first anti-racist county.”

Chimwemwe said that while many are not racist, many are also not actively anti-racist, and do not call it out when required or take action, something the charity strives to achieve via training teachers in schools and other schoolchildren about how to spot racism, and how to tackle it.

Jennifer Forster, who works at Bridgeway, a rape and sexual assault support centre in Penrith, said: “We’re getting the message out that we have this service for the people of Cumbria.

“We offer a forensic examination if you’ve experienced rape or sexual assault within the last seven days, but we also offer support services for non-recent rape and sexual assault.

“We’ve got a 24/7 freephone number; anybody can contact us if they have any concerns or need any advice about a rape or sexual assault.”

That number is 0800 118 6432.

Among the performers was Jenny Ball from Blackpool who, before shooting off for a 60th birthday party performance, had time to chat just after her energetic show on stage: “It’s amazing, everybody’s struggling after the pandemic, it’s been a tough time for everyone, but everyone seems in good spirits here.”

Other performers included Ailsa McFee, Allan Jay, Kyle Finn, Michael T Ogilvie, Miss Pearl, Ross Alexander, PJ Taylor, Smashby, Sonia and Stephanie Aird.

Darren Milby from the BBC hosted alongside DJ Jelly Dixon.

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