A celebration was held in Enfield earlier this month in recognition of the borough’s LGBTQ+ community.
The Pride festival at Enfield Town’s Library Green over the weekend is thought to have been the first of its kind in the borough.
The family-friendly festival celebrating diversity, inclusion and equality featured some well-known names to entertain and delight the crowds including Sum Ting Wong, Vanity Milan and Cheryl Hole of RuPaul's Drag Race, X Factor winner Joe McElderry and tribute acts Cher and Lady Gaga.
The festival was organised by the Dugdale arts centre and saw many people dress in rainbow coloured clothes and draped in rainbow flags.
Enfield Council tweeted: “A huge thank you to all the volunteers, performers, entertainers, blue-light services, and the wonderful audiences who supported Enfield Pride over the weekend. What a wonderful, inclusive event.”
A huge thank you to all the volunteers, performers, entertainers, blue-light services and the wonderful audiences who supported #Enfield #Pride over the weekend. What a wonderful, inclusive event. Thank you too @The_Dugdale team. #EnfieldLive #EnjoyEnfield #Pride2022 pic.twitter.com/Y9Z1niaE9n
— Enfield Council (@EnfieldCouncil) June 20, 2022
Speaking ahead of the event, the council’s cabinet member for culture, Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu, said: “We are very proud to support this event which unites and celebrates everyone across Enfield.
“We are excited to welcome local people in solidarity, to enjoy two days of love and friendship and to unite with song, dance and I am sure lots of laughter.”
Afterwards, Cllr Anyanwu tweeted: “We want more. I’m very proud to lead culture at Enfield Council, let’s keep Enfield united. This is amazing, our first Enfield Pride festival. Thank you.”
Enfield has spoken “We Want MORE!”
— Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu (@CllrAnyanwuLab) June 18, 2022
I’m very proud to lead Culture in @EnfieldCouncil, lets keep Enfield united. This is amazing our first Enfield Pride Festival THANK YOU @joemcelderry91 @ItsVanityMilan @SissyLea4 @pacademyarts @MaybeGaga @Enfield_Fest @The_Dugdale @EnfieldPride pic.twitter.com/vDNB1xX2Ay
Residents and visitors will also have seen see a special poster celebrating Enfield Pride 2022 displayed throughout the borough during June.
The poster was commissioned by the Enfield Council LGBTQ+ Staff Network.
Designed by artist Vikkie Thompson, it is a message of support and joy for members of the LGBTQ+ communities within Enfield Council and beyond.
Have you seen the #Enfield Council #LGBTQ + staff network poster? This specially commissioned poster is designed to bring joy to Enfield during #Pride . And don't forgot our #Pride2022 event this weekend at Library Green https://t.co/N4UXNt3ZMM Pic credit @natgeephoto @thenatgee pic.twitter.com/RYZbJlPSgy
— Enfield Council (@EnfieldCouncil) June 13, 2022
It features the Enfield ‘beast’ surrounded by flowers in the colours of the LGBTQ+ flag. An original of the artwork will also be displayed within the Civic Centre.
Pride Month is celebrated around the world throughout the month of June and is about acceptance and equity. It highlights the work of LGBTQ+ people and their history and raises awareness of issues that impact them.
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