Andover’s inaugural Pride event, held on Saturday, June 22nd, was a resounding triumph, drawing hundreds of people. The family-friendly celebration, hosted by Andover Town Council alongside several local partners, took place in Pocket Park.
A vibrant atmosphere filled the event, buzzing with music, entertainment, and a powerful message of inclusivity. Attendees from the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies came together to celebrate diversity and love. Organisers estimate that well over a thousand people joined the festivities throughout the day.
“This is history for Andover,” declared Lucy Luscious Lips, a drag queen and co-host of the event. This sentiment resonated with both attendees and organisers, highlighting the event’s significance for the town. Lucy added “What a brilliant day and we had loads of fun”.
Andover Pride 2024 showcased electrifying performances by local talent. Kate Plumtree, Andover Musical Theatre Company, InColour, Mojo & The Royal Restitution kept the energy high, culminating in a show stopping headline set by Velour with Zoezy.
Andover Town Council expressed their delight at the event’s success, praising the collaborative effort that brought it to life. Months of planning culminated in a joyous celebration that surpassed expectations.
Organisers extended their heartfelt thanks to the multitude of individuals and groups who contributed to the event’s success. This includes the hosts, performers, organisation team, volunteers, local charities, and security personnel. A special thank you went out to everyone who attended and participated, making Andover Pride 2024 a historic and unforgettable occasion.
Mark Farren from the Andover Town Council said “Months of planning, sleepless nights, my (remaining) hair went a strange shade of pink, but we did it.
“Proud to be part of the team who put together and delivered Andover’s first Pride event, and so pleased that the people that I spoke to were so joyful and happy. Here’s to Andover Pride ’25”.
The overwhelming success of the event has laid the foundations for a larger venue and a grander celebration in the future. With the Andover community’s enthusiastic support, Pride 2025 promises to be even more spectacular. Organisers closed by thanking everyone involved and expressing their excitement to see the community come together again next year, potentially on a grander scale.
