2017 Pride in Hull
Hull kicked off a week-long celebration to mark 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK.
Hull was transformed into a riot of colour as KCOM joined thousands of revellers at Pride in Hull.
Hull was transformed into a riot of colour as KCOM joined thousands of revellers at Pride in Hull.
A 22-strong team from KCOM were among the army of flag waving, rainbow-sporting marchers who turned out for the biggest Pride event yet - as the city centre was treated to an exuberant, colourful celebration of everything LGBT+.
More than 50,000 people turned out in the blazing summer sun for the event, which culminated in a giant Queens Gardens party featuring performances by former Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle and Adore Delano, of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame.
Andy Mason, KCOM Client Services Manager, said the highlight of the day for him had been taking part in the parade.
He said: “It was a brilliant day. The atmosphere was amazing all the way through, there were smiling faces everywhere and it was great to see so many different people all coming together.
“It was the first time we’d been part of the parade but it won’t be the last. We’ve already got ideas of how we can do it bigger and better next year.”
Carrying a rainbow banner, the KCOM team joined the parade through Hull’s streets alongside an impressive array of stilt walkers, squid-like inflatable balloon creatures, marching bands, choirs, drag queens and dancers.
KCOM communications executive Alex O’Mahony, said: “It was fabulous and totally unlike anything I’ve ever done before. There was a really good vibe all day and so colourful and vibrant.
“It was nice to see so many different people joining together for the parade and celebrating of all the different communities in Hull. There was a great feeling of unity in the city.”
Customer research consultant Leigh Hanson said his highlight of the day had been handing out rainbow flags and face paints to the thousands of onlookers during the parade.
He said: “It was a great day to be involved in. Everybody was really up for it and they loved the flags and face paints we were handing out.
“I really enjoyed being part of the parade with my colleagues – both LGBT+ and not. I think it’s really important that companies like KCOM do get involved in events like Pride because it shows what an inclusive, forward thinking place it is to work.”