Pictures: Bideford Pride 25 is ‘the best yet’

This year’s Bideford Pride has been hailed as ‘the best yet’ with people of all ages enjoying a range of entertainment at the family-focused community event.

An estimated attendance of 900 people exceeded last year’s inaugural Pride at the town’s Victoria Park, cementing a determination to ensure it is an annual occasion on Bideford’s calendar.

Bideford Pride is organised by a small committee made up of founding members that include personnel from Transilience, Sunrise Diversity and individual volunteers and allies from the local LGBTQ+ community. 

A spokesperson said: “The committee were committed to take on board all the feedback from last year, along with the experience they gained, and ensure that Bideford Pride 25 offered a vibrant, celebratory and appropriately reflective day to support the LGBTQ+ community of Bideford and North Devon. 

“The event was attended by people of every age, all coming together to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Estimated attendance was 900 plus, far exceeding last year’s inaugural event and clearly shows the breadth of support and love within the wider community.”

Bideford has hosted various Pride events sporadically over the years but last year saw efforts to make it a permanent fixed event at the park.

Entertainment included the Carry on Choir, a highly praised drag act called Deidre Darling, as well as powerful and thought-provoking speeches from local youth and departing Bideford Mayor, Rachel Clarke.

There were various food and crafts stalls plus activities and stands offering advice and support from various local organisations on a range of issues.

Above: Drag act entertainer Deirdre Darling was a very popular performer at Bideford Pride. Credit: Graham Hobbs

One of the highlights was a Pride March around the park perimeter featuring the Samba Baia band and Devon Roller Derby, along with a joyful procession of banners and flags.

Above: The Pride March at Victoria Park was very well attended. Credit: Graham Hobbs

The spokesperson added: “Bideford Pride was attended by Caroline Leaver, the newly appointed chair of Devon County Council who gave an impassioned speech around her support for the event and for the LGBTQ+ Community, which was incredibly encouraging and well received. 

“The strapline of Bideford Pride 25 was #prideeveryday and the Committee, and our amazing volunteers and supporters, are committed to coming back even bigger and stronger in 2026. See you there.”

**** See many more pictures in our gallery above courtesy of Graham Hobbs ****