Suffolk Pride at Christchurch Park in Ipswich

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Christchurch Park for the Suffolk Pride event, giving a colourful kick-start to the town’s Ip-art festival.

Titti Trash at Suffolk Pride

Visitors from across the region were joined by families who took advantage of the free music and carefree afternoon of entertainment at the park.

Blustery conditions did not put off visitors, they were thankful that the heavy rain that has blighted many events over recent weeks held off.

Organisers Marie Grace and David Williams were delighted by the response.

Marie said: “What is so good is that it is such an inclusive event attracting so many people. We had 3,000 visitors in 2009 and 5,000 in 2010. I hope we get that number again this year.

“We even had the Red Arrows to launch the event!”(the aerobatic team flew over Ipswich on its way to the Trooping the Colour flypast)

Mr Williams, chairman of the Suffolk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Network, said: “This is important because it gives people confidence and helps bring many communities together.

“Suffolk Pride is an important event because it shows we are here – but the network is about much more than that. Suffolk Pride is about one great day. Suffolk LGBT is there for the other 364 days of the year as well!”

The event featured bands and various other performances, all compared by Norwich-based drag queen Titti Trash who managed to turn heads as he toured the stalls at the event.