Oakham experienced its first ever Pride event this weekend, on Saturday the 25th of June 2022, and with well over 500 people in attendance, it would be fair to say the event was a rip roaring success.

The Pride March setting off at 11:45 on the 25th of June 2022

The event opened with music from local singer, Gabriella, before hundreds set off on the first Pride March from Cutts Close, through Oakham town centre, and into the Oakham Castle grounds.

Gabriella sang 'Your Song' by Elton John among other hits

There were a few familiar faces at the event too, from local MP Alicia Kearns, who spoke about her stance against conversion therapy, to LGBT+ Oakham and Rutland founder, Abii Lavery.

A Pride banner seen on the march, highlighting major issues confronting the LGBTQ+ community

Abii said: "What an incredible turn out. Thank you again to everyone who's supported this, be it from a year ago or those who heard about it the day of! It all means the world."

Oakham School pupils Lucy and Phoenix helping out at the event

Support came from a wide cross section of the Oakham community, including Oakham School, who's pupils helped handout wristbands and marshalled the Pride March, and local shops, many of whom put a great deal of time and effort into creating elaborate windows displays to show their Pride.

Connie Taylor's Pride display at Victoria Hall won the competition

A collection of these can be seen here.

On top of this, Rutland County Councillor Lucy Stephenson attended the event and could be found litter picking with organisers and attendees at the end of the day.

Lucy said: "What a day, Rutland's first ever Pride! It's so incredibly important that the County Council is supporting our LGBTQ+ community."

Oakham Pride took place at the Oakham Caslte grounds, with military personnel and the local fire service attending to show support

Local lady and LGBTQ+ ally, Karen Payne added: "It speaks volumes that this is the biggest turnout of all the local events I have attended since we moved here. It suggests that this event was necessary and that people feel spoken to. It has been a wonderful day."

Over 500 people attended, with stalls and sellers having an incredibly successful day. On top of this, a great deal was raised for Rutland and Oakham LGBT+ to help fund events like this in the coming years.

The total amount raised on the day has not yet been announced, but watch this space for more updates!