Boost for businesses as Kingdom's first Pride a resounding success

It has been revealed that 3,500 people flocked to Fife’s first ever LGBT Pride event last weekend.

The event, which was held across the kingdom, is estimated to have boosted local businesses by at least £150,000 on the day.

Fife Pride kicked off with a parade along Kirkcaldy High Street, with onlookers packing the town centre as hundreds of people came out to support equal rights and to challenge stereotypes.

Later there was entertainment in Kirkcaldy Town Square with stars including X Factor’s Lloyd Daniels, 90’s soul and disco diva Kym Mazelle and ‘Mysterious Times’ singer Tina Cousins topping the bill.

Over 20 community groups were involved in the day, with the Royal Navy, Police Scotland and Sky amongst the stallholders.

The day was co-hosted by Scene Radio presenter, ‘Mr Fabulous’ and Dunfermline drag queen Nancy Clench.

Pride chairman, Stuart Duffy, opened the events on the main stage and said it was a major step forward for the Kingdom

“It’s not just enough to come out for one day and be open and feel proud, we need you to live that every single day of your lives. Stand up and be proud, that’s what our message has been about,” he said.

“This first Pride today demonstrates that times are changing. Let this be the moment that LGBT+ people in Fife stood up and said with one voice “We’re here, we’re queer and we’re not going anywhere!”

Fife Council have committed to multi-year funding for the event, with council co-Leader David Ross confirming the move when he addressed the crowds on stage.

“Sometimes it’s difficult in places with an industrial past or with rural communities, attitudes sometimes take some time to change, but this event today and the work that has gone on in the lead up to Pride, will hurry that change along.” he said.

“We need to stand together and show that we can combat discrimination in all its forms. We want to see this [Pride] happening every year.”