Council backs first ever Cannock Chase Pride celebration

Cannock Chase Council already flies the rainbow flag over the civic centre during February – LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) History Month.

And on Wednesday councillors backed calls to work with the trustees of Chase Pride to stage a festival in 2022.

The district’s first Pride celebration was due to be held at Hednesford Park in June 2020. But the family-friendly event, which would have included a parade through the town to kick off the festivities, was unable to take place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Josh Newbury, who represents Norton Canes, has asked the district council’s cabinet to consider financial support for the 2022 event, such as considering waiving or reducing hire fees for Hednesford Park or providing a grant.

He said: “The first ever Chase Pride event is due to be held in Hednesford Park on Saturday, September 3 2022, with additional associated events taking place throughout next year.

“For a number of years, we have supported the annual LGBT History Month every February, including the flying of the rainbow flag over the Civic Centre.

Chase Pride could provide significant benefits for our district, both in terms of the visibility of the LGBT+ community, as well as our local economy. Chase Pride could spearhead efforts to challenge stigma, stamp out hatred, educate the community on all things LGBT+ and create a safe place for people to be themselves without fear of prejudice.”

Since 2016 the levels of hate crime experienced by the LGBT+ community in Cannock Chase have more than doubled, Councillor Newbury added.

“I’ve heard people saying ‘why do we need Pride in Cannock Chase?”, he said. “We have a significant and invisible LGBT+ community. It will give them visibility and a chance to celebrate pride.”

Councillor Charlie Frew, who represents Western Springs, called for town and parish councils across the district to support the celebration and get involved.

The district authority was asked by Councillor Newbury “to work constructively with the trustees of Chase Pride to ensure the efficient organisation and smooth running of the festival”.

Deputy leader Councillor Bryan Jones responded: “This is something that is extremely important to the district. Myself and (council leader) Olivia Lyons met with one of the leaders of Pride earlier in the year and said how keen we are to get this event and support it, both individually and as a council.

“There is a stigma across some quarters – people don’t fully understand inclusivity and we must make sure we are very supportive of the LGBT+ community and ask other councils to get involved with this.”

Councillor Lyons said: “I think this is something we wholeheartedly support. I think each and every one of us can come together and make this a success for Cannock Chase.”