Malvern Pride: Hundreds defy rain to spread colour and love

It had been a wet start to Malvern Pride today (Saturday), but that had not deterred visitors, who came in droves to celebrate love and inclusivity in Priory Park. 

PRIDE: Lorraine Brooks, Jayne Ackroyd and Michael Dymond from Malvern Triathlon. (Image: Newsquest) The fun got underway at noon with entertainment like live music from the bandstand, face painting and ariel performances. 

When the rain started, visitors put up umbrellas, popped on ponchos or moved under trees so they could not miss out on the festivities. 

Meet baby Olive, who is enjoying pride with her parents, Lisa and Marc Sharman. (Image: Newsquest) Mary Marsh, one of the event organisers, said: "Once it started raining, many people got up, and I was thinking, oh no, but they just all moved under the trees.

"The way I describe (Malvern Pride) to people is it is a bit like if Poo and Piglet do pride - it is Malvern, and Malvern would not put up with pride like in London and Birmingham because that's not us.

Crowds gathered to watch aerial performances. (Image: Newsquest) "So it has to be warm and fuzzy, so we have always marketed it as a family-friendly event where everyone is welcome.

"They all come because it's great fun and inclusive in the true sense of the word.

LOVE: Alice Riordan, Grace Bailey and Charlotte Langford-Wilder enjoying pride. (Image: Newsquest) "People throw around words like diversity and inclusivity, but Malvern Pride is also warm."

Malvern Town Council also made their first appearance at one of the Malvern Pride events today.

Malvern Town Councillors loved meeting people at the event. (Image: Newsquest) "It is great - it is really bright and vibrant and everyone has really enjoyed themselves," said councillor Jude Green.

"For us as town councillors, it has been really good to engage with the community and get all sorts of feedback."

Organisers Mary Marsh and Michael Teo. (Image: Newsquest) Councillor Melanie Jones said when she moved from London to Malvern, she was nervous that she would receive hostility for being gay.

She said: "I am quite new to Malvern and new to the council as well.

Some members of the crowd wore their flags as capes. (Image: Newsquest) There are people from different backgrounds and different sexualities, and that does not make you feel uncomfortable here.

"I do not mind saying that I am gay, and I came from London and expected there to be hostility, and I never have received that here personally.

"That has been amazing and to get a place on the council as an outsider is really fantastic."