Rainbow car convoy marks what would have been Peterborough’s Pride week

Members of the city’s LGBTQIA+ community still wanted to celebrate the occasion and drag queen Miz Ritzy Crackers from Embrace Events held a number of events virtually followed by the Pride Car Convoy.

The convoy took place on July 12, and was a nod to what would have been the last day of Peterborough Pride.

Starting from the Key Theatre in the city centre, the convoy made its way across the city with cars decorated with Rainbow flags and banners and drivers and passengers alike also dressed up for the occasion!

Ritzy, who came up with the idea of the car parade with the help of Inclusive Peterborough, was really pleased with the turnout.

She said: “The car Pride parade was a way that we could be seen but be safe at the same time.

“We could be in community, while also social distancing.

“Some friends who didn’t drive lined up on parts of the route waving their flags to encourage us as we drove past. We could see our friends and families that we hadn’t seen for months. Knowing we weren’t alone, we are family.”

Ritzy said Pride events are important for tackling prejudice and added: “It wasn’t just a celebration and a party, thought that is necessary for building community and raising spirits. We also needed reassurance and support.

“At a time when we have been promised change instead we are facing deepening prejudice.””

Embrace Events has been supporting the community with dedicated LGBTQIA+ events in the city every week since 2018.

Likewise, Inclusive Peterborough is a social group aimed at providing a relaxed informal way of making friends in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Looking ahead, Ritzy and the team at Embrace Events ‘can’t wait’ for next year’s Pride event which they expect to be bigger and better than ever.