Around 30,000 people gathered to celebrate Leeds' seventh annual
gay pride event on Sunday 5 August.
As the heavens opened and torrential rain, hail and flashes of
lightening hit the crowded streets, the revellers refused to be
deterred joining together to sing their own rendition of Singing in
the Rain.
After performances from X Factor favourites Joe McElderry and 2
Shoes as well as speeches from gay Leeds MP Stuart Andrew and city
councillors, the Sunday shoppers stood and watched in awe as the
colourful loud and proud parade brought Leeds centre to a
standstill before continuing the party in their very own gay
quarter of the city.
The main stage was brimming with local talent as DJ's, drag queens
and singers belted out tunes to suit all but the star of the show
and queen of the night was Yorkshire's very own local lass Kira
who, now performing at her fourth Leeds Pride, gave an incredibly
passionate performance that had even the most seasoned of pride
goers stop to admire and celebrate their true home-grown and much
loved star as she once again showed why she is indeed, everyone's
favourite gay girl.
Speaking exclusively to DIVA after her crowd-pleasing set, Kira
said:
"This year I wanted to bring something new to my performance and
so I brought in some incredible dancers but, not being a dancer
myself, the pressure was really on to do well. My fans just loved
my performance of the winning Eurovision song Euphoria and I loved
being able to deliver something new to my home crowd who, as usual
gave me tremendous support."
This Pride, for the second year running, also provided a great
women-only space at Mission nightclub. This occasion, hosted by The
Other Guide who make Yorkshire's lesbian lowdown online magazine,
saw great performances from DJ Debbie B from Bradford's Lemon Shed
and also featured Manchester's Dragking band Draglife UK and saw
lesbian/bi women of all ages party on until the early hours.
From its humble roots just seven years when a handful of people
gathered on the Town Hall steps to celebrate their sexuality to a
mass parade of 30,000 taking over the city for an entire day of
celebrations and festivities, Leeds Pride is fast becoming one of
the UK's Prides to watch. So if you have never been then get
yourself over to Yorkshire on 4 August 2013 and see for yourself
what all the fuss is about!
