Despite mixed feedback to the first day time Pride Parade in Perth the organisation’s co-presidents are pleased with the events success and highlight that it puts the organisation in a good position of future events.
Pride Male Co-President Daniel Smith told OUTinPerth that the day time parade was an improvement on previous years and was well recieved by the public.
“This year saw us stage the Parade in the daytime and we are really encouraged by the response. The quality of the floats was significantly improved and it turns out that rainbows really do look better in the daylight. The reaction of the crowd was fantastic.” Smith said.
“Our feeling was that the number of spectators was about where it has been for the last couple of years. A big part of our effort over the next year will be to raise the profile of the event and significantly grow spectator numbers.”
Female Co-President Michelle Rigg was equally as pleased with how the updated event had run.
“For the first time the Parade opened the Pride Festival followed by the new event Celebration; Celebration saw over 3000 people, young and old, celebrate our community by way of the arts and music. The strong line-up of interstate and local talent created an event the Pride community has not seen in years.” Rigg said.
“All through the day and night the vibe was one of excitement and being proud of being a part of our community; all profits from Celebration go to the LGBTI Community.”
In an open letter to the GLBTIQ community the organisation has highlighted that the success of this years event has allowed them to move from a position at the start of the year where they were potentially insolvent to being able to develop the festival further in future years.
Pride WA noted that over 3000 people had attended the CELEBRATION event and the profit from the event would allow them to invest in greater promotion and improvements in 2014. The group also acknowledged the community feedback that a late afternoon parade may also work better.
Pride WA is now seeking feedback from the community on the parade and the festival. To share your thoughts click through to the survey.
OIP Staff, image Jana Topler
