Home   News   National   Article

Neighbours join to march 80 metres in one of world’s shortest Pride parades


By PA News

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

Around 40 residents in Warwickshire hosted an 80-metre Pride march – one of the world’s shortest – for a third year.

People living on Batt Close in Rugby created costumes and decorations to make the road shimmer and sparkle on Saturday.

The tradition is a “special event” for those on the road as it shows the community is “a safe space” for everyone to be themselves.

The people of Batt Close hope to continue hosting their Pride parade annually (RB Films)
The people of Batt Close hope to continue hosting their Pride parade annually (RB Films)

“This really is the little Pride that could,” Batt Close resident Rachel Bunce said.

“Once again, our street has rallied behind a message of love and hope to organise such a special event for us all to be proud of.

“For us, Pride begins at home, and its message of community and inclusivity is one that certainly resonates among us all as neighbours.

“Batt Close Pride is for everyone – whether part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally – and it shows that our community is a safe space for us all to be ourselves.”

Children living on the street helped create a rainbow crossing in chalk as each home was decked in celebratory rainbow bunting.

Some of the adults joined in on a high heel race in celebration (RB Films)
Some of the adults joined in on a high heel race in celebration (RB Films)

After the parade, neighbours came together to host high heel races, enjoy food from a barbecue and dig into a Pride-themed cake.

A charity wax event even saw three residents lose their chest, leg and underarm hair for the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity.

The wax raised £100 for the charity and others were given the chance to pull off a strip in exchange for a donation.

Resident Ben Porcel said the group “strutted and stomped” along the road enough to rival the largest of Pride events.

“Batt Close Pride may be small, but it was certainly fierce,” Mr Porcel said.

After the short parade, residents enjoyed food, games and various activities (RB Films)
After the short parade, residents enjoyed food, games and various activities (RB Films)

“During the parade, we strutted and stomped along our road with as much passion and vigour as you would expect from larger Pride events.

“I am humbled to live among people who share the belief that everyone deserves to live free and equal, and that is incredibly empowering as we strive to make change together.”

Those of Batt Close hope to continue holding the event annually.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.

Keep up-to-date with important news from your community, and access exclusive, subscriber only content online. Read a copy of your favourite newspaper on any device via the HNM App.

Learn more


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More