Preparations are well underway for Congleton Pride 2025, which this year takes place on Saturday 19 July from 10am throughout the town centre.
Congleton Pride is a free festival that celebrates diversity and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ people and everyone is invited to this day out for all the family.
Town centre roads will be closed from 7am to 6.30pm from just above the bus station up to the end of Moody Street, and High Street to just before Canal Street, with West Street/Swan Bank closed temporarily during the Parade, for 15 minutes from 11.30am.
The town will be rainbow-coloured for the day, and many shops are already decorating their premises to celebrate Pride. There will be free family-friendly entertainment on two stages, together with fun activities for everyone throughout the town.
This year the Congleton Market Quarter is partnering with the Pride team, and a full programme of events will take place in the market area, with an artisan market all day.
Performers on the main stage on High Street include:
- Congleton Musical Theatre
- Jenna G
- LB Dance
- Jessica Stretton
- The Trigger Hounds
- Danielle as Shania Twain
All introduced by host’s Jenna G and Fonda D.
The Pride Parade starts at 11.30am from West St Car Park. Businesses and individuals wishing to join the parade, are asked to register at Join our Pride Parade – Congleton Pride or contact the Congleton Pride team at hello@congletonpride.co.uk
Once again, the community stage (by our Elizabeth Statue on Bridge Street) will be busy for the whole day, showcasing some of the best local talent, this year hosted by Pride-favourite Andy Hofton, who will also be performing. Andy will introduce Karamba, The Beartown Singers, The Wesleys, Jasmine Allen Estate, Mossley School Choir, Zumba with Em and the Leaping Frogs.
Malcolm Pope, Chair of Congleton Pride, said: “The whole team is really excited to be planning this year’s event, with a longer parade and a bigger footprint all over the town. We are super happy to be partnering with the Market Quarter and delighted with all our brilliant sponsors, entertainers and volunteers who are working together to make this Pride the best ever.
“The fact that some of our banners advertising the event have been torn down just makes us, and the wonderful people of Congleton, even more determined to enjoy the day and show the vandals that they will never win. Love will prevail!”
The event continues into the evening on the 19th. The Market Quarter will have Jenna G performing from 6pm followed by a DJ from 8pm-late. Radley & Co (in the Lion & Swan) will have Harriet Dagnall Duo performing from 8pm and will be serving a special Pride Gin and Pride Cocktails, with 15% off drinks for anyone wearing Pride colours.
Ronan Clayton, Founder of Congleton Pride, said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved for giving their time to make our biggest and best ever Congleton Pride, including the stall holders, entertainers and sponsors, and especially our incredible army of volunteers.
“We are also grateful to Congleton Community Projects for helping with the parade, Town Council officers for all their practical support, Cheshire Constabulary for keeping us safe, and everyone that has helped behind the scenes. I am sure all that come along will have a fantastic day.”
Chair of Congleton Town Council’s Community Committee, Cllr Kay Wesley, added “Pride is one of the biggest days in Congleton’s annual calendar and we know that it will fill our town centre with happy people having a good time, from Congleton and many other towns. This is great for our town, community and businesses.
“The team has worked hard to ensure the event is accessible for all. I encourage anyone who hasn’t been to Pride before or thinks it isn’t for them to come along this year – you will find that inclusivity really does mean for everyone and I’m sure you’ll have a great day.”
This year’s event is sponsored by Millie’s Vets as Event Partner, with main stage sponsors Pear Hospitality Group and Congleton Market Quarter, Parade Sponsor Kanga Health, Media Partners the Congleton Chronicle and Edit Development, and supported by more than 20 other local businesses. For more information on the programme go to www.congletonpride.co.uk or follow @CongletonPride on Facebook and Instagram.
