'Best place to live' hosts first Pride event

A town named the UK's "Best Place to Live" has hosted its first ever Pride event.

Hundreds gathered at Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden to celebrate the inaugural Walden Pride on Saturday.

Aj Singh, who co-founded the Essex event, said: "It is making a real difference, particularly for young people to be represented and to know their town cares about them."

The town was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in March, for its schools, transport, access to green spaces - and the quality of the High Street.

The Pride event featured music by local artists, including artists Sing Out Cambridge and Sakara Dee.

People joined the march at 15:30 BST starting at The Common before finishing in time for the Pride Picnic Party.

"It is so incredible to have an event like this close by as we have to travel usually," Aj Singh added.

"We are both members of the community ourselves, this is not something that is a hobby for us, this is our lives."

Stalls by Uttlesford UNISON, The Plant Pantry and Waterbaby Flowers, featured at the free event.

Riley Millar, who also co-founded Walden Pride, said: "All that we have had is so much support and enthusiasm.

"I wish that I had something like this when I was younger, and to see it happening little me would be so excited, it is needed."

Money raised from the day will be used to fund future events arranged by Walden Pride.

The idea for the festival was suggested by Audley End House site manager Kirstie Horne, who said she was "delighted" the site hosted the event.

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