Birmingham Pride 2000

The annual Gay and Lesbian Pride in 2000 was fantastic - held on the bank holiday weekend at the end of May. It was not only the cities biggest gay spectacular to-date but was also dubbed the largest free gay and lesbian event in the UK.

The Birmingham Pride committee received £26,000 from the National Lottery and an extra £1,500 from the city council to help fund the colourful carnival parade called 'Mass Camp 2000'. It was the first time Birmingham had seen such a large Mardi Gras style procession that was full of outrageous costumes, drag and campness hyped up in the way that us gay boys and girls do best. Despite the outbreaks of heavy rain and even hale-stones at one point thousands turned out to take part and even more lined the streets to watch. The paraded wound through the streets of Birmingham ending in the gay village. An estimated 75,000 people took part over the 3 day event.

Galaxy 102.2 put together the main stage that was packed with top name PA's. There were also many dance tents and stalls to venture around. All venues with-in the gay village were packed solid on both Saturday and Sunday, with partying carrying on late into the night. Subway City and the Nightingale Club both had extended licenses into the very early hours. Also on the same weekend in Birmingham was the Mr Gay UK 2000 grand final. Some friends of mine and myself dressed up as superhero's as we gave out flyers to publicise the event. Click here to see the review.

Monday was still very busy, as this year there was for the first time ever a gay alternative of the "Traditional English Fete". A specially created village green was created up to host games such as an egg and spoon race, tug-of-war, Its-a-knockout and even a dog show! I entered My dog Will which was awarded 2nd place for the waggiest tail and 2nd place for the dog the judge would most like to take home. It was his first dog show, so I was really proud of him. It was also great to see families coming down to support the day too. I can understand why the butch dukes beat the camp queens in the tug of war but even when the kids had a go the girls won over on the boys! What's the world comming too?