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Love in Aberdeen: Pride events through the years

Young girls in rainbow butterfly face apint

Pride has been strong in the Grampian since its first event in 2002.

A pioneer in Scotland, since most other regions only started hosting their own parades over the past few years, each event has been something to remember.

While its celebrations haven’t always looked the same, they’ve always retained the same feeling of positivity and celebration.

So join us on a look back at Pride events in Grampian through the years.

Bringing colour to Aberdeen

This year's parade as it makes it way down Union Street to Broad Street.
This year’s parade as it makes it way down Union Street to Broad Street. May 2022.

Aberdeen’s first ever Pride event was held in Guthrie Park in 2002.

It would be a while before the city saw a parade as we know them now, but that wasn’t to stop the celebrations.

Flags were flying high!

Band 'Mugshot' perform at Aberdeen's first Gay Pride Event.
Band ‘Mugshot’ perform at Aberdeen’s first Gay Pride Event. June 2002.

The love was overflowing in Guthrie Park and five years later the city’s pride event had to be moved to a larger location.

The city centre was a wash of colour in 2007 and held events on top of the St Nicholas Centre.

It was a high-brow event with a number of celebrity guests – even Europe’s largest foam cannon turned up!

Nikki Gibson and Kane Savage from Aberdeen proudly wave their flags.
Nikki Gibson and Kane Savage from Aberdeen proudly wave their flags. June 2007.

It was these early events that set the scene for the region’s first ever parade, which took place in May 2018.

Union Street was illuminated in sunlight that day, providing a pleasant change for its marchers who were no doubt used to the harsh Scottish winds.

Look at the sun on those happy faces!

Grampian Pride marched down Union Street in Aberdeen in 2018.
Grampian Pride marched down Union Street in Aberdeen in 2018.

The parade in 2018 was led by city-born actress Annie Wallace.

Local bands and acts supplied the entertainment at Pride Village which was based at Queens Links.

There was even an appearance from headline act Sandi Thom!

The parade on its way to enjoy some live music. May 2018.
The parade on its way to enjoy some live music. May 2018.

Pride is an event for all ages!

Two year old Rosie Whimster proudly waved her flag in the sunny Granite City.

Leading by example!

Rosie Whimster.
Rosie Whimster. May 2018.

It was a happy weekend filled with love.

Plenty of Aberdonians were joined by their best friends at Pride.

Just not all of them were human!

Plenty of dogs were seen decked out in rainbow coloured collars.
Plenty of dogs were seen decked out in rainbow coloured collars. May 2018.

The Grampian Pride Parade was put on hold in 2020 with the rest of the country.

It returned in October 2021 with a magical winter festival.

Attendees were asked to purchase wristbands to attend due to ongoing Covid restrictions.

But not even Covid could keep them from celebrating!

Nothing could stop Aberdonians from celebrating Pride last year.
Nothing could stop Aberdonians from celebrating Pride last year. October 2021.

The typical Scottish weather did nothing to dampen people’s spirits.

Around 2,200 people still showed up to take part in the festivities.

Probably with just as many balloons!

Grampian Winter Parade.
Grampian Winter Parade. October 2021.

Pride returned to the city in full this year with another spectacular parade.

The crowd marched on despite the downpour, just glad to be able to celebrate together again.

Just look at these troopers!

Singing in the rain.
Singing in the rain. May 2022.

Grampian Pride said “just be yourself” and almost 6000 people did just that!

Homemade floats and banners turned the city’s streets into a sea of colour.

Just look at all those flags!

Pride marches on.
Pride marches on. May 2022.

Despite a few years of restricted celebrations, Pride stays strong in the Grampian.

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