Brilliant sunshine without a hint of rain didn’t stop the brightest rainbow imaginable from shining over Falmouth, Helston and West Cornwall yesterday for the world’s first ever Pride on Tour event.

The Pride Bus began in Falmouth before heading to Helston, Porthleven and Penzance, sharing the importance of equality and diversity, respect and two key messages: ‘Love who you want to love’ and ‘Be who you want to be.’ The bus then moved on to St Ives, Hayle, Camborne and Redruth before finishing the day in Truro, ahead of a second tour around east Cornwall today.

Cornwall Pride said: “This has not been seen anywhere in the world and no one has ever attempted this type of project for Pride - so this year we are doing it!”

In another first, Helston Community College became the first school or college to ever be visited by Pride in the whole of the UK.

Falmouth Packet:

Students were given the chance to meet Cornwall Pride members and enjoy cake. Photo: Leigh Yates

An extravaganza of colour and fun descended on the school, giving students the chance to chat with Cornwall Pride members The highlight of the visit was students joining together to raise a giant rainbow flag, the symbol of Pride and the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community.

The tour was timed to coincide with Pride Month in June and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a series of clashes between the gay community and police in New York in June 1969, which became a defining moment in the fight for equality.

Falmouth Packet:

The Pride on Tour reaches Porthleven. Photo: Leigh Yates

Cornwall Pride worked with bus company First Kernow to put on the tour – one of 18 events to take place in the county in the run up to the main event in Newquay on Saturday, August 24, when a parade of walkers, floats, dance groups and bands will begin at midday.

This will be followed by The Rainbow Fest from 1pm to 7pm, a family friendly event of stalls, games and groups offering advice and support, with the day ending with the Moonbow Party for over 18s from 8pm to 3am the next day.