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Thousands mark 10 years of Channel Islands Pride

Chris Craddock
BBC Jersey communities reporter
BBC The photo shows a vibrant parade on a city street with participants in colourful attire, some holding balloons and flags. One person prominently carries a large transgender Pride flag. The background includes historic buildings with ornate architecture, flower boxes on the windowsills, and a blue sky.BBC
People came together to march through St Helier to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community

Thousands of people turned out to celebrate 10 years of Pride in the Channel Islands.

Many wore bright colours and costumes to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Pride Parade started in the Royal Square at 13:00 BST before it made its way around St Helier to People's Park, as onlookers cheered it on.

There was live music, children's play areas and wellbeing zones available at the park so people could come and enjoy the day.

Kaye stands outdoors at an event, wearing a black t-shirt that reads 'Celebrating a Decade of Being Proud of You' with images printed on it. She has two lanyards and an ID badge. Behind them are two tall purple 'Liberate' flags, a blue tent, and colourful decorations including a rainbow flag and a transgender pride flag. The scene is set on a grassy field with other tents and people in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Kaye Nicholson from Liberate Jersey was happy to see so many people turn out

Kaye Nicholson, the CEO of the charity Liberate Jersey, joined the parade.

Liberate Jersey supports those who have been affected by discrimination and promotes equality and diversity in the island.

Ms Nicholson said they "had so many people turn out looking amazingly beautiful" and the event "was just a joyous occasion".

She added: "It's a really important opportunity for allyship and it needs to continue because we're seeing globally a rollback of LGBTQ rights and it's important we preserve that."

Adam stands inside a tent wearing a vibrant costume that includes a shiny turquoise jacket with large lapels and blue spikes on the shoulders, with a purple shawl. Behind them is a clothing rack with other colourful costumes, including one with white feathers and another with bright green accents. The background is dark, highlighting the vivid colours of the outfits.
Dr Adam Perchard said Jersey has come a long way in the last 10 years

Dr Adam Perchard opened the main stage at People's Park and was the master of ceremonies through the day.

They said: "It's such a special vibe because it's our 10 year anniversary.

"I remember the first Pride here and when I was a teenager in Jersey I would sometimes have a difficult time facing discrimination and so to see these streets filled with people supporting us is wonderful."

DJ Woody Cook, the son of DJ Fatboy Slim and BBC Radio presenter Zoe Ball, took a break from his 90 mile fundraising walk to be the first music performer, and the event was headlined by former X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

A stage performance at the Channel Islands Pride event features two dancers in sparkly fringed outfits on either side of the stage and a DJ in the centre wearing a blue floral shirt. The DJ stands behind a table with equipment, draped with a rainbow flag. A purple banner in the background displays partially visible white text reading 'CHANNEL ISLANDS PRIDE,' with green stage lights shining above.
Woody Cook needed to towel down during his performance as temperatures reached 30 degrees

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