YMCA DLG celebrated Brighton Pride in great style on Saturday 5 August. Our float stood out well among the parade of 100, themed around the Beatles album cover Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band on the 50th anniversary of its release. This tied in nicely with Pride’s ‘Summer of Love’ theme to mark the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in this country.
112 people from our local communities got involved including lots of our young people and staff as well as their family and friends. Everyone got into the spirit of the occasion, dancing their way round the route and getting the crowd to join in with the YMCA anthem and other crowd pleasers.
Pete Colmer, our Maintenance and Facilities Manager, had a prime view of the parade from the cab of the float. He says, “‘It was worth all the hard work by staff and helpers to finally see our float ready on Saturday morning. The young people were great and special thanks must go to Niki Rowe (Head of Communities Sussex South) for the massive amount of work she put into this. The view from the drivers cab was amazing, the crowds lit up when we went by. The music and the enthusiasm from the back of the lorry was the main reason for this. I must say I think ours was the best float, mainly due to the hard work and love that went into it! After the event my cheeks were aching and I realised why – I’d been smiling all day long! It was great for YMCA to be part of a remarkable and a memorable day where the community of Brighton came together to celebrate.”
Thanks to our sponsors Liam Russell Architects, Griffith Smith Farrington Webb Solicitors and Tullet Self Drive, and special thanks to Niki Rowe and the very important people who helped her prepare to make the occasion such a success on the day. Well done to each and every one of you – you did us proud! Here’s a few photos to whet your appetite.
