Crowds flock to gay event (From Oxford Mail)

Crowds flock to gay event

8:28am Monday 16th July 2007 in Search By Chris Buratta

THOUSANDS of people gathered in Oxford on Saturday to celebrate gay and lesbian culture at the city's fifth annual Pride event.

Gay, lesbian and straight folk were out in force to celebrate and enjoy the event at Oxpens Meadow.

Live music from acts including Natalie Powers and Lizzy Drip featured on the main stage, which was sponsored by public service trade union Unison.

Among other attractions were a bouncy castle, human table football, stalls selling books and artwork, bars and food.

Event organiser Paul Stewart said about 4,000 people were expected throughout the course of the day.

He said: "This is about giving lesbian and gay people in Oxfordshire somewhere to come and celebrate.

"The aim is to have everybody down here together enjoying themselves."

One of the speakers at the event was the Green Party's Oxford East Parliamentary candidate and gay rights' campaigner Peter Tatchell.

He said: "It has been a fantastic Oxford Pride with glorious sunshine, lots of people and a great party atmosphere.

"It was wonderful to see so many families and straight friends and supporters turn out."

Mr Tatchell said the day was a stark contrast to his experiences at a similar event in Moscow earlier this year where he was beaten up and arrested.

He added: "Here the atmosphere is the complete opposite. It is one of understanding and acceptance and people of all sexualities coming together."

The event was opened by Oxford's Lord Mayor John Tanner.

He said: "Pride Oxford is an opportunity to say thank you to all the gay and lesbian people in Oxford for the enormous contribution they make to the city.

"It is about fun and not being ashamed, whatever your sexuality."

Among the revellers was Loriane Bowley, from Oxford.

She said: "I think it's important to have an event like this for integration and it does give people a boost."

Claire Daly, from Abingdon, added: "I would really like to see a parade next year, that would top it all off."

Meanwhile, Matt Lintern, from Oxford, said: "We're having a great day. It is important to raise awareness and tolerance."

One of the highlights of the day, now a regular event in the city's calendar, was the Oxford Pride dog show.

John Pierce and Sid Bremment, who tied the knot at a civil partnership last year, travelled from London to be at the event.

Mr Pierce, who is originally from Oxford, said: "It is basically nice to see Oxford not being one of the homophobic towns in this county.

"It's a chance to have great fun and get dressed up."

David Gwinnutt, who runs The Pink Union Jack company, said unlike other Pride events, Oxford's event attracted many more families and straight people.

He said: "Oxford is a very liberal place."