More than 1000 people celebrated inclusion and diversity at Pride in Moray in the centre of Forres on Saturday, September 2

MORE than 1000 people celebrated inclusion and diversity in the centre of Forres on Saturday.

Attendees for the second annual Pride in Moray gathered at the War Memorial at lunchtime, hearing speeches from the organisers before forming a procession through the town to a free festival in Grant Park.

This lasted until early evening, featuring a variety of stage acts, sales, entertainment, information stalls, and fairground rides.

Pride in Moray chairman, David Harrison, enthused the colourful crowd of all ages before leading the march through the town.

After thanking sponsors Walker's Shortbread, Unite The Union, Unison, Parklands Care Homes and R-evolution for Good, as well as his fellow committee, members and volunteers, he said: "Last year historic first Pride in Moray was held in Elgin's High Street and Cooper Park.

"Since then, the UK Government has chosen not to reform the Gender Recognition Act of 2004. There were local protests against drag act Miss Lossie Mouth hosting a storytelling session for children. And Pride flags have been burnt in our region ...

"These are reminders of why we hold Pride in Moray!"

Event mascot Moray the Dolphin led the rainbow coloured procession through a busy High Street with a pause outside the Tolbooth to the tune of 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor.

Moray Councillor, Draeyk van der Horn (Forres, Green), spoke as the event reached Grant Park, reminding attendees that discrimination is still present in our community and beyond.

He added: "Turn to the person to your right and tell them they are amazing ... You know it, so own it, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!"

Cllr van der Horn was moved to see High Street inclusivity displays as he joined the march through High Street.

He said: "It was a joy, not just due to the shop windows and people on the streets, but because I had time to appreciate the amazing work of Forres in Bloom!

"Being allies to the LGBTQI+ community is vital to effect change and so many people coming along was a powerful act of solidarity."

The on-stage festival line-up featured PK Entertainment; Highland Youth Theatre; Moray Operatic and Dramatics Society (MODS); singer Andy Layton James; covers band ‘Revision’; musicians Boys Will Learn; drag queens Idah Dun’im, Bobby Tucker, and Miss Lossie Mouth; Broadway Boogie dance class; and Sid Innes and Band.

Cllr van der Horn said: "Grant Park hosted a wonderful open plan event with no fences. The talent on the stage was incredible - we have plenty of extraordinary performers in our midst - and the crowd was upbeat.

"It was also great to see stalls, from Outfit Moray to Out and About in the Highlands."

Others included Police Scotland, Highland Pride and Aberlour Children's Charity.

Moray Councillor Scott Lawrence (Forres) helped out at the Forres SNP stall.

He said: "It was a privilege to welcome visitors to such a wonderful event. Pride in Moray not only showcased Forres and Grant Park, but provided an opportunity to invite, educate and include local people in a celebration of diversity. I sincerely hope Pride in Moray returns to Forres."

Former independent Moray councillor, Lorna Creswell BEM, attended with family and friends from lunchtime to teatime.

She said: " We had a glorious time! There was a great atmosphere and the weather was outstanding. The Elgin Pride in Moray was fenced off so there was a more relaxing feel this time.

"The young performers on the stage from different groups were fantastic. My great-grandchildren had a go on the supported trampolining and the lucky dip which they thoroughly enjoyed."

She added: "It's important to have events that encourage visits to Forres. There were plenty of stewards and litter pickers so hopefully no rubbish left or damage left to the park."

Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess spent several hours at Pride in Moray before preparing to return to parliament this week.

She said: "There was a tremendous turn out - it was good to see young people and families enjoying the warm, end of summer, afternoon.

"The acts on stage were fabulous and it was great to see unions, the police and local organisations like Outfit Moray showing their support for the LGBTQI+ community.

"Grant Park was a super location with plenty of room to grow for future events as the word gets out about just how great the day is."

Mrs Burgess used to live in New York, where the Pride movement began.

She added: "From those early days of protest and organising, the city is now where many people from the LGBTQI+ community make their home because they feel safe and free to be themselves.

"I want Moray to also be a place where everyone feels safe to live and be themselves."

Fabio Villani, from the leadership team at tsiMORAY, also joined the march through the town centre and enjoyed the entertainment at Grant Park.

He said: "These events remind us that people are still suffering abuse and discrimination because of who they are, how they dress, or whom they love.

"I heard many touching stories during my conversations with other participants, and I was proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all, regardless of gender, colour or sexual inclination, to celebrate the wonderful diversity of our human race."