ONE of the organisers of Oswestry’s first-ever Pride march has thanked all those who turned out to support it on Saturday.

Jenn Lister, who led the parade dressed as St Oswald, said the event was the culmination of months of hard work from an organising committee that was backed on the day by the Oswestry public.

Town mayor Councillor Mike Isherwood joined in as attendees dodged the heavy rain, leaving Jenn delighted that the LBGTQ+ community was celebrated. 

OTHER NEWS:

“I was incredibly proud of all the work that everybody has put in to make such a great event,” they said.

Oswestry Pride March attendees walking through the street. Oswestry Pride March attendees walking through the street. (Image: Graham Mitchell.)

“People don’t realise how much time and money and effort went in from volunteers – all unpaid – to make this day so good.

“We just felt that it was so important for people in Oswestry to be seen and represented in their community, to feel wanted and celebrated and not just tolerated.

Oswestry mayor Cllr Mike Isherwood on the Pride March. Oswestry mayor Cllr Mike Isherwood on the Pride March. (Image: Graham Mitchell.)

“I’m just so proud of everybody that came out and to support us because there were so many showers of rain.

“It was just an incredible day and there was so many challenges for people but they still supported.

Dancers and musicians at Oswestry Pride. Dancers and musicians at Oswestry Pride. (Image: Graham Mitchell.)

“But there was such a positive feel to the day and the atmosphere was great – we had people get in touch to say they’d never seen anything like this in Oswestry before.

“Some people said they had never felt so safe before.

Youngsters join the fun at Oswestry Pride on Saturday. Youngsters join the fun at Oswestry Pride on Saturday. (Image: Graham Mitchell.)

“We thought we would get around 100 people there but we had much more than that.”

Jenn added that while there is no confirmation yet, a Pride march in 2025 is very much on the cards.

And Jenn thanked all those who supported the day, highlighting some to be thanked for their work.

The Oswestry Pride March passes through Church Street. The Oswestry Pride March passes through Church Street. (Image: Graham Mitchell.)

Jenn added: “We don’t have a date yet but there is no way the people would let us not do one so I do think there will be an Oswestry Pride in 2025.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

“I would like to thank Emmy Clark for her work putting together the programme and the Rev’d Yin-An Chen from St Oswald’s for his support.

“I would also like to thank the Climate Action Hub in Bailey Street for giving us space to work from and its support.

“Also thanks to Anna Billington for her help volunteering to co-ordinate the stalls, and many more.”