The first Norwich Pride happened in reverse. That is to say, it started in Chapelfield Gardens and ended at The Forum. After a couple of years this was swapped around – there were too many people coming to the event for Millennium Plain to cope with. That was when we knew we were here to stay.
In 2008, when we were planning the first ever Norwich Pride to take place the following July, we hoped it would be a success, but we really didn’t know what would happen – would anyone come? What would the city make of it? Would we be accepted? Nothing like this had ever happened here before.
We were a small group of volunteers putting together a free event with absolutely no money. It was a big challenge, and that’s never really changed. The event has become more complex over the years, but at its heart it is the same – a community-led event funded by donations, fundraisers and sponsorship.
On the morning of the first Norwich Pride I was in Chapelfield Gardens, decorating the bandstand with rainbow flags, feeling quite anxious looking around and wondering which groups of people sitting on the grass enjoying the sunshine were there for our ‘Pride Picnic’, and which were just there because it was a sunny day. We had done our best to advertise the fact Norwich was about to have its first ever Pride, but with social media being still very new, and our poster printing budget being tiny, we had little idea how many people knew what was about to happen.
It wasn’t until Paul, the queer owner of a party shop on Bridewell Alley, arrived with a huge bunch of bright red helium balloons that things started to become clear – he gave a balloon to every group who said they were there for Pride, and quickly it became clear almost everyone was there to celebrate this moment with us. What a relief, and what a change in atmosphere seeing red balloons all across the park – everyone relaxed, rainbow flags and banners started to appear from people’s bags, and suddenly it was really happening – Pride had started to turn Norwich into a rainbow.
Later, as we started to gather for the first ever march through the city centre, the numbers swelled. It quickly became clear what had been planned as a march along pavements would require the police to carry out emergency road closures. Around 1000 people had come together in peaceful, joyful solidarity and marched with their banners, partners, friends and families, from the park to The Forum.
As we arrived at The Forum we had another watershed moment. Michelle from the organising team had run over to Norwich Castle and had somehow blagged her way to the flagpole, and with the lesbian caretaker’s help, a rainbow flag was raised in the city for the first time in history. As people arrived at the Forum and saw that beautiful sight, many of us were moved to tears. The city had changed forever.
Now, in 2026 as I walk around Norwich I see rainbow flags in lots of shop windows, I see queer people confidently holding hands, and queer expression valued and encouraged in venues and spaces all around the city. I am proud of our brilliant city and the wonderful people who live here with me.
Norwich is a better place thanks to all the volunteers who have come and gone over the last 18 years – every one of them has helped Norwich Pride flourish and have helped to make this city a safer place for LGBTQIA+ people. Norwich Pride is now a cherished and celebrated part city life and long may it continue to be so.
Happy Pride
Robert.
(Head of Fundraising)
