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People celebrate 'true authentic selves' at Pride

Sam Read
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Reporting fromNorthampton Market Square
Harriet Heywood
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Sam Read/BBC People dressed in rainbow colours, smiling on a hot summer's day. A man in the foreground is smiling, wearing black sunglasses. There are shops behind him.Sam Read/BBC
Sam Read/BBC A group of women holding small pride flags on white sticks. They also have flags wrapped around their shoulders. They are walking through the town as part of the parade and crowds of people can also be seen behind them. Sam Read/BBC
Northampton Pride was held in the Market Square from 11:00 BST on Saturday
Organisers said more people attended the 2025 event than the previous year

A Northampton Pride organiser said it was positive to see people celebrating their gender identity and sexuality.

Nick Allen, from the local Pride committee, said there were more people at the event in Market Square on Saturday than the previous year.

The spectacle followed a policy change on West Northamptonshire Council which prevents the authority flying LGBTQ+ rainbow flags from its buildings.

"I am really enjoying seeing many more young people being able to celebrate their true authentic self... in ways I couldn't 30 years ago," Mr Allen said.

Sam Read/BBC Allison is squinting slightly in the sun while facing the camera. She is wearing a black top, chains around her neck and a rainbow sleeveless jacket. She has short hair and is smiling.Sam Read/BBC
Allison Trafford, from Buckinghamshire, said there had been a "buzz" all day

The newly elected Reform UK administration made changes to the local authority's flag protocol after coming to power last month.

It means only the Union Flag, the St George's flag and the authority's own flag can be flown outside its buildings.

Mr Allen said it was "disappointing" not to see the council fly a Pride flag on the occasion, but many businesses and organisations in the square did.

"Northampton Pride will continue and, in many respects, when you look around the Market Square today, you see many of the businesses and organisations that have buildings here proudly displaying a rainbow or progress flag.

"I think that is really important to me to demonstrate that ally-ship.

"Although, yes it is disappointing the council is not displaying the Pride flag outside its building on Northampton Pride day, largely the businesses and organisations based in the town are doing that for them - and I think that is really important to me."

Sam Read/BBC Kamila is standing in the Market Square in front of gazebos and crowds of people. She is wearing sunglasses, a rainbow headscarf, black top and purple, green and yellow type of mesh jacket. She is smiling at the camera. She has long hair and a fringe. Her hair is blonde on one side and orange/ ginger on the other. Sam Read/BBC
Kamila Nowysz was visiting family in Northampton when she heard about the event and said it was the "perfect opportunity" to attend

Kamila Nowysz, 27, had been in the town from Manchester when she heard about the event.

The teacher said: "The visibility is incredible.

"I think visibility is really important, it's important to know that we are here and we are not going away and we need the rights, queer rights, and human rights."

Oskar Lee added: "It's really important, especially in recent times, to just know there is that sense of community and know that you're not alone.

"No matter what your identity, there are always people who will accept you and are like you."

Sam Read/BBC Oskar Lee is standing outside with a fan green, white, purple and black fan held to the side of their face. They have medium length hair with a side part. One side is pink and the other is green. They are smiling at the camera while wearing pink earrings and a checkered black and white shirt. Sam Read/BBC
Oskar Lee, 23, from Northampton, said that despite the heat, everyone had been looking after each other

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