“Pride” is a big event celebrating the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights. It is celebrated all over the world from London to Sydney, from Amsterdam to New York.

The preparations must have taken place all year around, and I saw the attractions being built a week in advance at Preston Park. The catering trucks and even security were onsite for most of the week, just to prevent any opportunists stealing or damaging the property. As ever the oganisers try to raise money. It's money well spent. To keep these parties safe a certain amount of security is needed, as well as hundreds of volunteers. Not to mention the brave people who are employed to do the tidying up afterwards. Not many volunteer for that job. 

I joined the party from the side of the road by watching the parade go past. It was colourful and daring as ever! As well as the Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade corps, all the gay, bisexual and transgender organisations came past, as well as most political parties, but there were a few new things that I had not seen before. The oldest gay male in the village drove past in his rainbow scooter, but there were also a group who pointed out that being gay is still a death penalty crime in some places around the world. It’s true; a Nigerian friend of mine told me that people who are gay in Nigeria get stoned to death. The group carried black coffins and had their mouths taped shut.

It was very impressive and it reminded us of the fact that, although not fully free, we enjoy far more freedom than others in this world.

The Gay Pride party is not just attended by the LGBT community. Everyone is invited to celebrate this freedom and diversity.

There were more colourful floats, with drags in bright wigs and impressive high heels which, although I am a woman and hence accustomed to pain, I certainly could not walk in!

This year many people brought their pets too. I've seen lots of dressed up doggies in rainbow or pink outfits. Even a guy, gay guy, carrying a little church owl on his shoulder.

Alcohol started to take its toll late afternoon when many party animals run for the bushes to be sick. This year another new initiative was taken in the park. In an attempt to keep litter down, a recycling post had been placed in the middle of the park for paper glass and cans. I don’t think this message reached everybody though as I found broken glass scattered around the park and many lingering flyers. It took a few days to tidy it all up. Most people arrived with bags of four packs of beer and all sorts of alcoholic drinks. Wherever in the world you read this, if you come across a Pride party, do not avoid it. It might not be your thing, but you might just enjoy watching many happy people go by!

The truth is that the celebration atmosphere was great to get soaked up in so I went back home feeling satisfied and thinking… bring on Pride 2011!"