Cornwall Pride march Falmouth crowds throng streets

Cllr Kirstie Edwards was asked to lead the band at the start of the first Pride march of the year, which kicked off in Falmouth on Saturday with the world's largest Pride march flag being paraded through the town. It is estimated that around 5,000 people took part.

Falmouth deputy mayor Kirstie Edwards led the parade

The march with walkers, walking bands, dance groups, organisations and charities started at the Prince of Wales Pier went through the centre of town and ended up at Events Square.

The first Pride march of the month, kicking off in Falmouth with the world's largest Pride march flag. The march started at the Prince of Wales Pier, went through the centre of town and ended at Events Square. Picture Ollietphotography

There were stalls from organisations and groups within Cornwall and the UK offering advice and support.

During the colourful parade the participants marched with what they believe is the biggest marching intersex progress flag in the world.

The first Pride march of the month, kicking off in Falmouth with the world's largest Pride march flag. The march started at the Prince of Wales Pier, went through the centre of town and ended at Events Square. Picture Ollietphotography

Unfortunately a fire in The Ranch restaurant meant Events Square had to be evacuated as firefighters tackled the blaze which started in the kitchen.

READ NEXT:

Investigation launched after large fire rips through restaurant on Events Square

This meant the planned gathering could not take place, but many other venues in the town welcomed the participantS with open arms with the rainbow flag prominently on display everywhere.

The first Pride march of the month, kicking off in Falmouth with the world's largest Pride march flag. The march started at the Prince of Wales Pier, went through the centre of town and ended at Events Square. 7th May 2022.

Kirsty said she was very proud to be asked to lead the parade, if not a little nervous.

She told the Packet: "It was amazing. I was so happy to support it. I was invited to come and be part of the parade and carry the flag, but when I got there they said 'oh no we want you to go right to the front of the parade with my flag in front of the samba band'.

"It was completely bizarre. I thought I wish I had a glass of Prosecco but I am just going to have to embrace this.

"It was wonderful, there were so many people all along the streets. Shop workers came out and were waving. Falmouth was so welcoming. I was incredibly proud to be part of it and support it."

The first Pride march of the month, kicking off in Falmouth with the world's largest Pride march flag. The march started at the Prince of Wales Pier, went through the centre of town and ended at Events Square. 7th May 2022. Picture Ollietphotography

She said her security chaperone told her he had done many Pride events but was amazed at how friendly Falmouth was and that there was no trouble. 

"Today was one to tell the grandkids one day."

This year's pride events at a number of towns throughout Cornwall are focussing on tackling mental health problems within the LGBTQ+ community.

The first Pride march of the month, kicking off in Falmouth with the world's largest Pride march flag. The march started at the Prince of Wales Pier, went through the centre of town and ended at Events Square. 7th May 2022. Picture Ollietphotography

Other Pride marches are planned in towns throughout Cornwall throughout the year.

The first Pride march of the month, kicking off in Falmouth with the world's largest Pride march flag. The march started at the Prince of Wales Pier, went through the centre of town and ended at Events Square. 7th May 2022. Picture Ollietphotography

Pride says the events celebrate equality and diversity across the entire LGBTQ+ and marginalised communities, shining a beacon in Cornwall and the South West that people have the right to love who they want to love and be who they want to be without hate or any discrimination.