Brandon Pride holds second Rainbow Colour Run and Pride Day at town’s Remembrance Playing Fields

ross.waldron@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 13:04, 16 June 2025

| Updated: 14:20, 16 June 2025

A town celebrated and showed its solidarity with its LGBTQ+ community at its second Pride event and fun run at the weekend.

Brandon Pride held its Rainbow Colour Run and Pride Day at the town’s Remembrance Playing Fields on Saturday, with residents from both the town and further afield turning out for the festivities.

The event kicked off with the eponymous Colour Run as both adults, children and even a stilt walker embraced the paint and the colours of the rainbow.

Brandon Pride held its second Rainbow Colour Run and Pride Day at the town’s Remembrance Playing Fields on Saturday. Picture: Mark Westley

Helper Caitlyn Watkins with Leah Saunders, Brandon Pride committee member, at the Rainbow Colour Run. Picture: Mark Westley

Brandon Pride committee memebers and helpers at the Rainbow Colour Run and Pride Day. Picture: Mark Westley

Helpers Cllrs Jools Savage and Linda Challis at the Brandon Pride Colour Run event. Picture: Mark Westley

This was followed by a series of performances, displays and a dog show, before the event was closed with drag performances from The Duke, Vernia and Destiny Collin.

Sue Meader, Brandon Pride chairperson, said: “It was brilliant, a really, really lovely day. It started off with a bit of rain but the sun came out after.

“People came down and it was especially lovely to see young people there who are part of the community that felt safe and comfortable.

Leon, Barry and Charlie Bourton with Scott Suttling-West at the Brandon Pride Rainbow Colour Run. Picture: Mark Westley

Sue Meader, Brandon Pride chairperson, said the turnout was amazing given it was only the group’s second event. Picture: Mark Westley

Brandon Pride held its second Rainbow Colour Run and Pride Day at the town’s Rememberance Playing Fields on Saturday. Picture: Mark Westley

Sue Meader, chairperson of Brandon Pride, said while it rained at first, the sun came out for the event and it was an amazing day. Picture: Mark Westley

Teylor Disborough with Hayden, 3, from Brandon at the Rainbow Colour Run. Picture: Mark Westley

“People came from quite a distance and the Colour Run was really busy, definitely much busier than last year, lots of families coming down to show their support. Given it’s the second year we’ve held it that’s really good.”

Sue said the entertainment and the drag artists in particular were brilliant, while she also paid tribute to Leon Coote, who she said sang beautifully.

She highlighted the event was not about ‘pushing things in people’s faces’ like some comments have suggested, but about making people feel welcome and safe.

Brooke Nolder, Lizzie Kalaj and Anastasia Egan-Welch, Shoe String performers, on the Rainbow Colour Run at Brandon Pride. Picture: Mark Westley

Sue Meader, Brandon Pride chairperson, said the Rainbow Colour Run and Pride Day was a wonderful event. Picture: Mark Westley

“It’s about stopping kids feeling like they want to end their own lives because people are bullying them and queerbashing them,” she said.

“To say to somebody ‘it’s alright to be you, alright to be trans, to be queer, it’s alright to hold hands with someone that you love’. That’s what it’s all about.”

Sue added it was great to have support from the local council and businesses for the event, which will be returning again next year.