Sunshine, glitter, colour and plenty of entertainment have marked this year’s town centre Dudley Pride celebration.
Guests at the show held in Stone Street on Saturday (July 18) include headline act the singer Tia Kofi, who appeared on the BBC’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and who was due to take the stage at 7pm.
The other stage acts included host Ian ‘DJ Porky’ Jones, Bedazzle representing West Midlands Youth Theatre, Trixie Lee, Temper Tantrum, Karl M and Word of Mouth.
In addition to music acts, the attractions featured street entertainers including Code Red Entertainment, glitter tattoo and face painting, nail art, along with more than stalls, funfair rides and games.
Family activities were held at Priory House in Priory Road.
Civic guests in attendance included the Mayor of Dudley Councillor Pete Lowe, his deputy Councillor Adam Aston and his consort Ben Middleton.
Councillor Lowe says: “I was so proud to attend Dudley Pride and to officially open the festival. The event was a vibrant, inclusive family event that was a credit to bostin’ Dudley.
“It was additionally important as I had my Deputy Mayor Adam and his consort Ben with me, the first ever openly gay Deputy Mayor of Dudley. I wore my pride tie, garland and badge with pride and had dozens of conversations and photos taken. A truly great event.”
The organisers said the event was an opportunity to bring together people from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ communities.
13. DJ Ian 'Porky' Jones hosted the event
Dudley Pride event in Stone Street, Dudley | Photo: Tim Thursfield/Iconic Media Group
14. Lauren and Ross from Code Red Entertainment
Dudley Pride event in Stone Street, Dudley | Photo: Tim Thursfield/Iconic Media Group