Leeds takes Pride in its new LGBT+ flowerbed at Roundhay Park

A floral representation of the Pride flag – the iconic symbol of pride for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community – has been officially unveiled in a popular Leeds park this week.

Forming part of the city’s celebrations to welcome the arrival of the 11^th Leeds LGBT+ Pride event next month, visitors to will now be able to visit and enjoy the fantastic display situated in Roundhay Park, which was designed by Leeds City Council’s parks and countryside team.

Attracting thousands of visitors to the city each year, Leeds LGBT+ Pride offers somewhere where people can come together to celebrate sexual diversity, gender variance, dignity and equality rights in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere of fun and colour.

Held over the weekend of 5 / 6 August, Pride further promotes LGBT+ self-affirmation, dignity and equality rights; and increases visibility as a social group, builds community, and celebrates sexual diversity and gender variance.

Joining Councillor Lucinda Yeadon and Leeds City Council’s LGBT+ Champion, Councillor James Lewis at the unveiling, were representatives of the authority’s parks and countryside team and members of the public.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and sustainability, said:

“Leeds LGBT+ Pride is a truly fantastic weekend in the city, and with this year’s event just around the corner, we have already kicked off the celebrations in style with the introduction of a very special Pride flag themed display in our very own Roundhay Park.

“Taking the Pride message out across Leeds, the display looks amazing and I would like to offer a big thank you to our parks and countryside team for the eye-catching display, which can now be enjoyed by visitors to the park.”

Councillor James Lewis, Leeds City Council’s LGBT+ Champion, said:

“We are very proud of Leeds’ long and strong LGBT history, and in this historical 50th anniversary year of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, we will have the opportunity through next month’s Leeds pride event to reflect on how far we have moved on in embracing inclusion, equality and diversity.

“Pride weekend is a truly wonderful, inclusive event here in Leeds, and we look forward to welcoming what we are sure will be another large crowd to enjoy the fantastic spectacle of the parade and also a variety of great entertainment.”

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council press office 0113 378 6007

Email: maggie.dawkins@leeds.gov.uk