Perth’s historic North Inch vibrated with an unparalleled sense of community and jubilant celebration this past Saturday, August 9, as the eagerly anticipated Perthshire Pride event transformed the sprawling green space into a dynamic festival ground. Drawing thousands of enthusiastic participants and supportive onlookers from across the entirety of Perth and Kinross, as well as visitors from further afield, the day stood as a powerful testament to the region’s commitment to diversity, acceptance, and the vibrant spirit of its residents.
The day’s festivities kicked off with an awe-inspiring parade that snaked its way through the very heart of Perth’s city centre. Streets typically bustling with daily commerce were momentarily reimagined into a living, breathing tapestry of rainbow colours, creative costumes, and heartfelt signs. Cheers and applause resonated from pavements lined with supporters, reflecting a widespread embrace of the Pride message. Presiding over this colourful procession, and subsequently commanding attention on the main stage at North Inch, was celebrated Scottish actress Jane McCarry. Her endearing portrayal of Isa Drennan in the popular series Still Game has endeared her to many, and her warm, engaging hosting style added an extra layer of local charm and celebrity appeal to the already significant occasion.
Following the parade, North Inch evolved into a multi-faceted entertainment and community hub. A particularly eye-catching addition this year was a full-sized wrestling ring, a surprising and highly entertaining spectacle that captivated many. Spectators gathered around, cheering on the athleticism and showmanship, adding an unexpected edge to the festival’s diverse offerings. Surrounding this unique arena, a sprawling market of approximately 75 individual stalls provided a treasure trove of experiences. Local artisans showcased their crafts, community groups offered vital information and support, and vendors presented a vast array of colourful merchandise, including flags, badges, and apparel that proudly proclaimed messages of equality. The air was also filled with enticing aromas from numerous food vendors, catering to every taste and ensuring that no one among the vast crowd went hungry.
The atmosphere throughout the day was one of palpable warmth and genuine inclusivity. Laughter and conversation drifted on the breeze as families, friends, and individuals from all walks of life mingled freely. The sun shone brightly, enhancing the joyous mood. Among the many participants captured enjoying the day’s splendid weather and vibrant scenes were Forrest and Olly, who found a perfect spot to relax with their small, delightful canine companion, Milo. Their contented smiles were emblematic of the widespread joy permeating the event.
Local community organisations were well-represented, underscoring the deep roots of Pride within the region. John Allan, representing the Alloa Rotary Club, and Dominic Stevenson from the Perth Parrots were notable for their particularly festive and eye-catching outfits, demonstrating the broad-based local support for the LGBTQ+ community. Their enthusiastic participation highlighted how the event has become a unifying force, bringing together various threads of the local social fabric.
The main stage buzzed with continuous entertainment, keeping spirits high from morning until late afternoon. Performers such as ‘Better the Kylie You Know’ delivered high-energy sets that had the audience dancing and singing along. Drag queen ‘Mrs C’ further elevated the spectacle with a dazzling performance, showcasing not only incredible talent but also the art of self-expression and empowerment that lies at the heart of Pride. Each act contributed to a non-stop feast for the senses, from captivating vocals to dynamic choreography.
The comfortable expanse of North Inch offered ample space for festivalgoers to unwind and enjoy the day at their own pace. Many took advantage of the glorious weather, spreading out on the grass. Katie and Evee, for example, were observed relaxing with their beloved dog, Merlin, illustrating the casual and welcoming environment that encouraged everyone, including furry friends, to be part of the celebration. Furthermore, essential public services were visibly engaged; staff from NHS Tayside managed a brightly adorned stall, providing accessible health information and valuable support resources to attendees. This presence reinforced the comprehensive, community-focused nature of Perthshire Pride.
The overwhelming success of this year’s Perthshire Pride, marked by its impressive turnout and palpable sense of unity, stands as a resounding affirmation of Perth and Kinross’s dedication to fostering a diverse, accepting, and thriving community. It was a day where joy reigned, and the message of love and equality shone brightly over the historic city.
The day’s festivities kicked off with an awe-inspiring parade that snaked its way through the very heart of Perth’s city centre. Streets typically bustling with daily commerce were momentarily reimagined into a living, breathing tapestry of rainbow colours, creative costumes, and heartfelt signs. Cheers and applause resonated from pavements lined with supporters, reflecting a widespread embrace of the Pride message. Presiding over this colourful procession, and subsequently commanding attention on the main stage at North Inch, was celebrated Scottish actress Jane McCarry. Her endearing portrayal of Isa Drennan in the popular series Still Game has endeared her to many, and her warm, engaging hosting style added an extra layer of local charm and celebrity appeal to the already significant occasion.
Following the parade, North Inch evolved into a multi-faceted entertainment and community hub. A particularly eye-catching addition this year was a full-sized wrestling ring, a surprising and highly entertaining spectacle that captivated many. Spectators gathered around, cheering on the athleticism and showmanship, adding an unexpected edge to the festival’s diverse offerings. Surrounding this unique arena, a sprawling market of approximately 75 individual stalls provided a treasure trove of experiences. Local artisans showcased their crafts, community groups offered vital information and support, and vendors presented a vast array of colourful merchandise, including flags, badges, and apparel that proudly proclaimed messages of equality. The air was also filled with enticing aromas from numerous food vendors, catering to every taste and ensuring that no one among the vast crowd went hungry.
The atmosphere throughout the day was one of palpable warmth and genuine inclusivity. Laughter and conversation drifted on the breeze as families, friends, and individuals from all walks of life mingled freely. The sun shone brightly, enhancing the joyous mood. Among the many participants captured enjoying the day’s splendid weather and vibrant scenes were Forrest and Olly, who found a perfect spot to relax with their small, delightful canine companion, Milo. Their contented smiles were emblematic of the widespread joy permeating the event.
Local community organisations were well-represented, underscoring the deep roots of Pride within the region. John Allan, representing the Alloa Rotary Club, and Dominic Stevenson from the Perth Parrots were notable for their particularly festive and eye-catching outfits, demonstrating the broad-based local support for the LGBTQ+ community. Their enthusiastic participation highlighted how the event has become a unifying force, bringing together various threads of the local social fabric.
The main stage buzzed with continuous entertainment, keeping spirits high from morning until late afternoon. Performers such as ‘Better the Kylie You Know’ delivered high-energy sets that had the audience dancing and singing along. Drag queen ‘Mrs C’ further elevated the spectacle with a dazzling performance, showcasing not only incredible talent but also the art of self-expression and empowerment that lies at the heart of Pride. Each act contributed to a non-stop feast for the senses, from captivating vocals to dynamic choreography.
The comfortable expanse of North Inch offered ample space for festivalgoers to unwind and enjoy the day at their own pace. Many took advantage of the glorious weather, spreading out on the grass. Katie and Evee, for example, were observed relaxing with their beloved dog, Merlin, illustrating the casual and welcoming environment that encouraged everyone, including furry friends, to be part of the celebration. Furthermore, essential public services were visibly engaged; staff from NHS Tayside managed a brightly adorned stall, providing accessible health information and valuable support resources to attendees. This presence reinforced the comprehensive, community-focused nature of Perthshire Pride.
The overwhelming success of this year’s Perthshire Pride, marked by its impressive turnout and palpable sense of unity, stands as a resounding affirmation of Perth and Kinross’s dedication to fostering a diverse, accepting, and thriving community. It was a day where joy reigned, and the message of love and equality shone brightly over the historic city.