Essex Events Photography - Essex Pride Loud And Proud
Alternative Documentary Photography at Essex Pride
June is Pride month and I proudly fly the rainbow flag for all in the community in Essex. Apart from weddings, I can honestly say that I don’t think that I have ever been to another event where there is so much love being shown for everyone. I am so proud to say that I have supported Essex Pride ever since the humble beginnings, from when it originally started at the back of Smiths Bar, in Moulsham Street, Chelmsford. Essex Pride is a ‘not for profit’ registered charity and is run on behalf of the LGBT+ community of Essex by a volunteer board or Trustees. Every year I offer my services as an events documentary photographer, to the community and can honestly say it really is the best day. Just like the weddings I often shoot, it is an incredibly long and tiring day (I’m not going to lie), but it’s nothing a cheeky G&T and a comfy pair of shoes won’t sort out. Back then, I kinda embraced the party atmosphere, but as the years passed and Essex Pride grew, I started to unravel more understanding for this event. I am honoured to call Garry Ormes (who is the brains behind it all) a friend, and it’s through Garry that I managed to bag myself my most favourite gig of the year. As an Essex based alternative documentary photographer, surely this has to be an ideal place to find one’s self in?? Let me tell you – it really, REALLY is.
This is me in the orange, from back in the day, enjoying Essex Pride
It wont be long until we can all unite again
This may have been taken at the very first pride at the now current location of Central Park, Chelmsford
Sure…..this isn’t exactly an award winning photo, but it was taken with my phone and it holds lots of happy memories….and thats what it is all about, right??
Essex Pride - The Best Bits
The dedication that the volunteers apply to this awesome event is truly amazing. I see first-hand the true passion that every single one of these guys exhibits. From those out on the front line, presenting on stage to the ones you don’t see, that are scurrying around like busy little ant’s backstage. Every single one of these guys are part of a magical team, and it’s your support that keeps them going.
I’m really sad that Essex Pride 2020 isn’t going ahead as planned, so in support of Essex Pride going digital, I thought I would share some of my favourite images from previous ‘Essex Pride’ events. Sadly, this year, I won’t be able to capture the ambience of the day. There are normally 3 of us flitting around the festival site clicking away on our cameras, and normally I would be capturing the days unfolding events, but it’s not to be this year, so 2020 is all about uniting. In previous years it really is a day for celebrations. Seriously though, what other event has dog shows, exploding cakes, fairground rides, dance tents, food outlets, lots of other stall holders, TV cameras, an outside entertainment stage as well as huge marquee tent with a main stage for outstanding acts, as well as lots of other entertaining items on the agenda…this all comes complete with licensed bar’s that are dotted around the vicinity (courtesy of Black Bull Events)
Without a doubt, I will miss being at Essex pride this year, as will all the other volunteers and party goers. But everyones health and safety are the primary requirements at this present time and we must think of this before any celebrations take place. But….it doesn’t have to stop there. Nope…NO WAY!! The guys at Essex Pride have decided to go Digital this year (go ahead and get your geek on!). So please show your support for this great charity and subscribe to the Essex Pride YouTube Channel, and join them Live on YouTube on Saturday 20th June at 4pm
The Mayor of Basildon, Essex 2019
Doing what everyone at Essex Pride does best - CELEBRATES
The Pride when Cynthia Lee Fontaine performed
Wow…what a performance
This is an event for the whole community, and its more than just a huge party. Every Year, Essex pride runs this event so that they can provide a platform for every part of Essex’s LGBT+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Non-binary, Asexual, Polysexual, Genderqueer and Gender Variant People) to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues and campaign for freedoms that will allow them to live their lives on a genuinely equal footing. Everything they do is designed to give LGBT+ people a platform to be visible and speak loudly to the rest of the county about what they have achieved, how far they have come and what is still needed. Pride in Essex includes people of every race and faith, whether disabled or able-bodied, and all sexualities and genders.
