Picture special of Kettering Pride 2026 celebrations

Hosted by The Kino Lounge, an organising committee put the line-up together in a month after an idea by staff member Ryan ‘The Iconic’ Powell.

Ryan said: “It’s been incredible, so many good vibes and we’ve had a lovely crowd. Kettering’s never really had a proper full Pride event before, it was something we were missing. We do so much for everyone else, Kettfest, discos, markets and we just wanted a gay old time, so we thought let’s do it.

"And we’re back next year on August 14 – it’s going to be bigger and better and even more fabulous than it is.”

As well as entertainment, films were shown in the Parish Hall, with stalls including arts and crafts, merchandise, facepainting and glitter tattoos.

Co-organiser Liane Robinson said: “Kettering needs Pride, it’s not just about today, we want to make more inclusive places for everybody where everybody feels safe. Pride is not just protest, it’s also community, celebration, acceptance and kindness.”

Veteran of many Pride events, Marion Turner-Hawes, who attended the Kettering celebration with her wife, said: “We love Pride events. It’s about having pride and self-respect in yourselves and your own community.

"Many of us grew up feeling not being allowed to be visible or not feeling safe to be visible and be who we are. These are family community events, and it’s about how we all accept each other, live well together, enjoy life and thrive together. It’s not about trying to exclude anyone.

“It’s about people being themselves. I grew up knowing it wasn’t safe for me to be gay – and visibly gay. It took courage to be ‘out’. It shouldn’t need to take courage for us to be ourselves.

"Pride is about sharing the joy of life. How brilliant is it that we can come together from Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, wherever we are from and celebrate.”

Youth Works’ Heath Burns explained the importance of Pride to the LGBTQ+ community.

He said: “I think it’s important to have a visible LGBTQ+ presence, particulary for younger people. For me growing up I think it was better, I am concerned that things are back-sliding again – over the last fews years Pride has become increasingly more important. It’s good to say ‘we’re still here, we’re still visible.”