Cleethorpes awash in a rainbow of colour and music for Grimsby Pride 2012

CLEETHORPES was awash with colour when hundreds of people flocked to Grimsby Pride 2012.

Although staged primarily for members of the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, the family fun day on Saturday was open to all.

SO MUCH FUN: Group of Grimsby youngsters having a great time at Grimsby Pride 2012.
Grimsby Pride 2012 held at the Meridian Park Cleethorpes Action packed event which included acts from far and wide including Ryan Jagger From Cleethorpes
FUN TIME: From Cleethorpes are Samantha Thompson, Olivia Smith, Jaye Slattery, Cantell Higgins and Charlotte Marshall
TOWN VISIT: Lord Prescott at Grimsby Pride 2012
WOAH THERE! The A&M Dance Troop perform.

And despite the overcast weather and threat of rain, spirits were certainly not dampened.

Singer Kelly Llorenna, pop group Scooch and The Dame Shirley Bassey Experience were among the performers.

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Meridian Park was awash with rainbow flags and other colourful garments, as people enjoyed the entertainment on offer.

By 1pm, 1,500 partygoers had already passed through the gates, wearing a variety of costumes.

Reece Turgoose, 16, of Edge Avenue, Grimsby, said: "I am dressed as a green dinosaur and I am having a great day.

"I have not been before and thought I would give it a go.

"The atmosphere is great and making more people aware of who is in our community is really good.

"People should have the chance to express themselves and feel comfortable about being who they are."

Twenty-three-year-old singer Ryan Jagger – who has performed with The Wanted Basshunter, Alexandra Burke and N-Dubz – was delighted to be playing to his home crowd.

Ryan, of Humberston, said: "I have done the whole Pride tour and I have been excited to get in front of the home crowd.

"I am playing my own music and I hope people like it.

"It is not just a day for the gay community, it is for everyone.

"I last played here in 2010 which was amazing and now it is bigger and better than ever."

Student Terri Spencer, 20, of Oliver Street, Cleethorpes, was among the hundreds of visitors and said: "It is really good to see so many people here.

"Everyone is smiling and having a good time. I have a relative who is gay and it is really important to respect who they are.

"Grimsby Pride is promoting a huge message of love and respect."

Bank worker Robb Patrick, 25, of Yarrow Road, Grimsby, said: "I am here to support the gay community and I am proud to be a homosexual man.

"The message is getting better every year.

"It is really good to see so many families and children here.

"I think that children do need to see that sexuality is not a problem and everyone can live together.

"The day has been great and it is good to see everyone having a good time."

Sean Stevens, vice-chairman of North East Lincolnshire Pride, which staged the event, said: "This is our annual fun day but it is more than that.

"There is a deeper message which provides advice and support for all people. There are a variety of acts, market stalls and food this year. When we first opened the gates there was a big line of people waiting which shows how important the event is.

"We want to thank everyone who attended."

See more pictures from Grimsby Pride 2012 at Cleethorpes People