Mablethorpe, the charming seaside town of Lincolnshire, embraced its second-ever Pride event over the weekend, joining in the global celebrations of love and acceptance of the LGBT+ community.
As the warm sun beamed down on Mablethorpe, the town quickly began filling with people who came to enjoy the beautiful weather and the free entertainment. The High street was buzzing with people exploring the shops and independent stores, and the beaches soon saw tents, chairs and umbrellas being erected as families flocked to enjoy the sun.
Many of the shops showed their love and support for the LGBT+ community with their storefronts decorated in various pride and progressive flags. This positive attitude towards the Pride event provided a safe and welcoming atmosphere to all who spent the weekend in Mablethorpe.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Mablethorpe has always been a family-friendly holiday destination, and Pride weekend was no exception. The warm weather undoubtedly played a role in encouraging families to come out and enjoy the day!
The event organizers went above and beyond to create a family-friendly environment, ensuring that activities and entertainment were suitable for children of all ages. It was a heartwarming scene to witness the performers and parents teaching their children about love, diversity, and equality, creating a beautiful sense of intergenerational understanding and acceptance.
Children were encouraged to join in the dancing at the Fairground’s performance, with many taking up the opportunity! This created a very enjoyable and safe environment for families. The pubs and bars along the seafront opened their doors to all, which provided somewhere out of the hot sun to sit back and relax. The ice cream parlours saw long lines of people wanting to try out their newest flavours of the season, including the special Pride selection.
Pride Venue Tour
Photos by James Hull Photography.
Whilst last year’s Mablethorpe Pride took place on a central stage down the High Street, due to budget constraints this year saw a different approach, with a pride venue tour. The performances and acts went on a tour around a number of the local businesses, ensuring that everyone got the chance to see the main show, whether you wanted to be up on the beachfront in the heat, or somewhere a little cooler in one of the pubs in town!
By taking the celebration on tour throughout the town, the organisers aimed to enhance the visibility and awareness of the LGBT+ community during a period that saw a high amount of visitors to the area. The venue tour began at Jesters Bar, moved onto The Fairground, and ended in The Louth.
The venue tour allowed people to have every opportunity to catch the main show at a location that suited them, as well as allowing people to explore the town and the various entertainment and activities that were put on for the weekend.
This year’s lineup of entertainment catered to diverse tastes. From talented local performers to renowned guest artists, the stage was filled with captivating music, lively dances, and awe-inspiring performances. The crowd swayed, sang along, and cheered, creating an electrifying atmosphere that was truly unforgettable.
Community Spirit
Mablethorpe Pride was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the unity and solidarity of our local community. Alongside the performances, booths and stalls were showcasing LGBT-owned businesses, community organisations, and local initiatives. Seeing individuals and groups coming together to support a cause and promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion was heartwarming.
As a way to thank all the shops and stores that joined in the celebrations by decorating their store windows, the previous chairman of Mablethorpe Pride held a Pride window display competition. Each store that entered was visited and given a score, and the winner was announced as The Coffee Pot – a big congratulations to them for their hard work!
Mablethorpe Pride’s Beginnings and Future
Mablethorpe Pride was started by Jon Harper, a resident and member of the LGBT+ community. After the lockdown had ended, he saw and understood the struggles of local people, and chose to organise MABOP (Now known as Mablethorpe Pride) to help, support and celebrate people of all lifestyles.
My vision was a celebration of the town’s diversity and its open-armed inclusion of all lifestyles. To bring a party vibe to the town after recent dark times, whilst at the same time promoting the town’s businesses and natural beauty.
Jon Harper – Mablethorpe Pride 2022 Chairman
After the success of the first Mablethorpe Pride, a new committee was formed to ensure the continuation of such a vital event in our local area. The committee, with support from some amazing local residents, all pulled together to organise and host yet another fantastic weekend in Mablethorpe. A special shoutout should be given to Matthew Dickinson for all his hard work in organising the entertainment and sharing his experience in event management.
As this year’s events draw to a close, many are asking what the plans are for next year…
Hopefully, next year with funding we will be back on the main stage because this event has to happen on the east coast. [Mablethorpe Pride is] a reminder of how far we have come, and how far we still have to go.
Matthew Dickinson – Mablethorpe Pride Event Manager
Get Involved!
If you would like to get involved in next year’s Mablethorpe Pride, please head on over to their Facebook page at Facebook.com/MablethorpePride. This event could not be possible without the many local residents who have donated their time, efforts and experience over the past 2+ years.
Remember, love knows no bounds, and Mablethorpe Pride is a shining testament to that! View the latest news on the Mablethorpe Pride event below.
