The spirit of Pride shone through Congleton on Saturday 19 July 2025, despite spells of rain and grey skies. Thousands came together in celebration of LGBTQIA+ identity, allyship, and community resilience. Undeterred by the rain, attendees arrived in full force – showing once again how Congleton turns up for its community with warmth and pride.
Now in its sixth year, Congleton Pride 2025 was the town’s biggest and boldest yet. The town centre buzzed with music, colour, and connection as two stages delivered a full programme of entertainment.
The Pride Parade took a new route from West Street to the town centre, receiving waves of support from residents, businesses and visitors along the way. On arrival in the town centre, Town Crier Vicky Pulman welcomed the crowds and introduced Town Mayor Councillor Robert Brittain, who formally opened the event, saying: “Congleton Pride is not just about celebration; it’s also about connection. It’s about showing that this is a town where people are welcomed, valued, and treated with dignity, whoever they are and whoever they love. Today reflects our shared values – inclusion, kindness, and mutual understanding.”
The main stage co-hosted by Ronan Clayton as Fonda D, with Jenna G, saw performances from Congleton Musical Theatre, LB Dance, Jessica Stretton, The Trigger Hounds, and Danielle as Shania Twain, while the community stage with Pride favourite Andy Hofton as host featured Karamba, Zumba with Em, Mossley School Choir, and more – all cheered on by energetic crowds throughout the day.
Over 30 local businesses celebrated by decorating shop windows – a striking visual show of unity and allyship that brought rainbow colour to every corner. An art and photography exhibition offered a quiet moment of reflection on identity and community amidst the day’s celebrations.
New additions this year included classic cars from the Gay Classic Car Group, a visit from BBC Radio Stoke, and a lively partnership with Congleton Market Quarter featuring an artisan market and evening music. Radley & Co. hosted the official after-party, rounding off the celebrations with Pride-themed cocktails and live entertainment.
Among the memorable moments was the raffle of a handmade Pride handbag, created from a damaged event banner that had been torn down and discarded. Volunteers repurposed it in an act of resilience and creativity, and Judith, the smiling winner, took home not just a bag but a story of pride reclaimed.
Reflecting on the day, Chair of Congleton Pride Malcolm Pope said: “This day is a powerful reminder to give all people a fair chance and a fair hearing. I implore each of you: have the curiosity to understand more about the hard journey of our Trans neighbours, and the kindness to simply give another human being the respect for just trying to be who they are – authentically and without fear.
“All of us in Congleton Pride would like to thank everyone who attended the day, whether part of our LGBTQIA+ family or not, remembering that to give the gift of equality means so much to those that receive it, but takes nothing away from those that give it. Our movement never works to take rights away from anyone, only seeks for a right to exist in safety and happiness.”
Malcolm also expressed deep gratitude to the organising committee, volunteers, Congleton Town Council, sponsors, performers, and every attendee who helped make Pride 2025 unforgettable.
Congleton Pride is a registered charity (Charity No. 1207409) and relies solely on the generosity of local businesses, organisations, and a dedicated team of hard-working volunteers to make its annual celebration and year-round initiatives possible.
This year’s event was sponsored by Millie’s Vets as Lead Partner, with main stage sponsors Pear Hospitality Group and Congleton Market Quarter, Parade Sponsor Kanga Health, Media Partners the Congleton Chronicle and Edit Development, and supported by more than 20 other local businesses.
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