Pride in the park as Sheffield LGBT festival returns home

The biggest-ever march in support of Sheffield's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community is set to take place on Saturday.
Sheffield Pride parade up Ecclesall Road to Endcliffe ParkSheffield Pride parade up Ecclesall Road to Endcliffe Park
Sheffield Pride parade up Ecclesall Road to Endcliffe Park

The Pride Sheffield festival is returning to Endcliffe Park, its original venue, after being held in recent years on Devonshire Green and, in 2015, at Sheffield University’s students’ union.

A new organising committee is now in charge of the event, and the parade has been reinstated after being dropped last year because of the risk posed by an English Defence League protest in the city centre.

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Committee member Luke Allan said 2016’s Pride festival would have more of a community feel.

“After speaking to the public we’ve decided to take it back to its old home,” Luke explained. “On Devonshire Green we had barriers up, it was quite enclosed and felt like it was shut off. We want this event to be open for all, especially families.”

The free festival will run from midday to 7pm in the park. There will be two stages for live performances including singers, bands, cabaret, drag and tribute acts, as well as dance and community tents. A market, food stalls and two bars are also being laid on.

A march up Ecclesall Road will begin at midday on Pear Street, next to the Champs sports bar, before heading to Endcliffe Park.

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Luke said 9,000-10,000 people are expected to visit the park on the day.

“We’ve looked at previous attendance figures and we’re expecting a larger turnout this year,” he added.

n Visit www.pridesheffield.org for details.