Stafford’s first Pride Festival took place on Saturday, 10th August 2024, and TopCashback were thrilled to headline the parade. Our dedicated team of volunteers helped make sure the day ran smoothly. Shelly shares a rundown of the celebrations…
The day started at 8 o’clock, with our TopCashback team setting up the stall at Victoria Park. The float was then collected by Wincanton’s Proud Mary from TopCashback HQ to go to the starting point of the parade.
There were a few touch-ups here and there to make sure the float was adorned with pride and joy. Bubble guns and whistles at the ready, the parade began at midday.
Around 300 people followed the Proud Mary with TopCashback staff proudly waving flags and waving to crowds from the float through Stafford town and High Street. We had the honour of the ever-vibrant Drag Queen, Ula Lah, joining us on our float, and she was a big hit with the crowds.
It was an amazing experience to see all the support the LGBTQIA+ community has in Stafford. So many smiling faces, people waving and clapping. It really was a proud, joyous moment which we will cherish for years to come.
Oliver Ragg, co-founder and CEO of TopCashback, said:
“This weekend’s event was everything we’d hoped for, with great entertainment to celebrate, but also educate. Families, friends and our own colleagues all embraced everything the day had to offer, to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
“It’s been a real privilege to support the town’s first ever Pride event, having been headquartered in Stafford now for nine years. Our sponsorship is testament to our continued efforts to foster inclusivity as well as our commitment to championing the LGBTQIA+ community, not only within our organisation but also within the wider community. We hope Stafford Pride will have a long, successful future.”
Following the parade, we headed to our stall where we had a Spin to Win wheel for the chance to win a goody bag(everyone was a winner!). We also asked the public to share with us what Pride means to them, and they stuck them on our board.
There were some beautiful messages that we will be putting together to display at TopCashback HQ.
The weather was kind to us, with the sun shining for most of the day. Our goody bags became very popular with Pride-goers too, once word got round that there was a rainbow fan in them.
The entertainment was fantastic, with local bands and drag queens hosting games for the audience to participate. Beyoncé Fierce and Michael Marouli were incredible, making the celebratory event really special. It has been estimated that 7,000 people visited the event throughout the day.
It was a privilege and honour to be involved in a day of celebration, solidarity, and fun, creating memories that everyone involved will cherish for a long time. The event not only celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community but also highlighted the strong sense of community and support we have in Stafford.
Here’s to Stafford Pride – may it continue to thrive and grow in the coming years!
