ORGANISERS of Silloth’s first pride have been congratulated on a brilliant job.

Owen Martin and the Rotary Club of Silloth held the first pride event on Silloth’s Green last Saturday and have already started to plan next year’s event after its success.

It is expected that between 3,000 to 4,000 people attended Silloth Pride to enjoy a day of jam-packed entertainment.

Owen said: “It went amazingly. We were overwhelmed by the number of people who turned up.

“There was a great atmosphere all day, it created such a buzz for everyone. It was just full of happy people.”

The day kicked off at noon and saw acts entertain the crowds all day on the stage until it finished at 7pm.

Michael T Ogilvie was one of the acts performing on the day.

Every summer he travels across the UK performing at pride events, from major cities events to start-ups.

He said: “It’s always such a blessing to be part of a town or city’s first year.

“You can see and feel the joy from all the organisers watching their hard work come together and the pride from locals that their home town are hosting such an important event.

“From the stage I had the best view of an amazing turnout.

“People from all ages and backgrounds coming together to support the fight for equality, diversity, love and pride.

“It’s so empowering to see how far the LGBTQ+ community has came since the Stonewall Riots 50 years ago and the only way is up from here.

“Bring on Pride 2020.”

The event has received positive feedback from a number of different people who attended on Saturday.

“I even got approached by two other pride organisers from across the country who wanted to pass on their congratulations to us for the brilliant job we had done,” added Owen, a town councillor.

“People also commented on what a great family event it was.

“Even some people who didn’t want the event initially stayed all day and said they hoped it was on again.

“We would just like to say a huge thank you for everyone’s help and support with this event. Without you it just wouldn’t have been possible.”