Looking back over the years at the colourful Doncaster Pride event

As Doncaster prepares for the 13th annual Pride event on Saturday August 17, we take a look back to when it all began and plans for this year.
Endorsement from the heavens as a rainbow lights up PrideEndorsement from the heavens as a rainbow lights up Pride
Endorsement from the heavens as a rainbow lights up Pride

Doncaster Pride described as the most colourful free to attend event of the year. The parade will weave its way through town and there will be two stages – one in Sir Nigel Gresley Square and Waterdale area.

Sunday August 19 2007 is where everything began. It began before Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham and had the grand budget of £1,500 and a very small stage, The first event drew a crowd of 1,500.

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Pride 2008 drew a bigger crowd and put Doncaster on the rainbow map and an astonishing crowd said to have achieved the 10,000 mark was attracted in 2009.

Marching for PrideMarching for Pride
Marching for Pride

Pride in 2010 changed venue from the Market Place to Doncaster Racecourse and attracted such acts as Toyah and S Club.

Another change of venue from 2011 to 2013 as Keepmoat Stadium played host. The 2011 Pride event was well attended and a success, but 2012 was a washout as torrential rain came down. But fortunes were revived in 2013 as Katrina and the Waves and other performers made it a year to remember.

From 2014 to 16 Sir Nigel Gresley Square played host to the event. In 2014 it was the year of the tribute act, 2015 saw pride team up with the Yorkshire Main Commemorative Trust and LGSM to recreate the fabulous movie “Pride.”

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In 2018 thousands turned out to take part in the colourful, 12th annual Doncaster Pride last weekend. Huge crowds packed Sir Nigel Gresley Square to enjoy eight hours of entertainment.

The main stage at PrideThe main stage at Pride
The main stage at Pride

And so the event has grown. In 2019 Miss Penny will be the hostess for the 11th year of Doncaster Pride. The headline act is Soraya Vivian – The voice of some of dance music’s most memorable hits and there will be a host of tribute acts.