'Unbelievable' success of Hucknall Pride will see it return next year

One of the organisers of Hucknall Pride was so overwhelmed by its success he was moved to tears.

Damien O'Connor, owner of Damo's bar on Annesley Road, was instrumental in arranging the inaugural event which was labelled a celebration of life and love in all forms.

Hucknall Pride was held over three days last weekend and was comprised of a number of different events across a range of pubs and venues across the town.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News Mr O'Connor said: "It was amazing, the whole weekend from start to finish was absolutely brilliant. It definitely exceeded expectations massively.

"We had loads of people coming up here showing their support, wearing the colours, showing how proud they are of a friend, a family member, being an ally to the community it was just unbelievable."

"This weekend wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for the help of the community, the support of the other organisers Half Moon, Byron's Rest, Red Lion, The Arc, John Godber Centre. Without those guys giving us their input and feedback this whole weekend wouldn't have happened."

As well as the huge turnout to the numerous events that were on around the town such as the drag show at The Half Moon which was attended by around 250 people, there were tangible moments across the weekend where Mr O'Connor realised the impact the event was having on individuals.

One such moment was a conversation he had with an individual who attended the Byron's Rest coffee morning.

He said: "The coffee morning was really well received. It was quite humbling for me really talking to one individual who had never stepped foot out of the house, is quite a social hermit so to speak, and they felt safe walking into the pub knowing there was a welcome with open arms for someone who is trans from Hucknall. That's the first time they've ever stepped foot into a pub so for me it was really good that we've managed to help somebody in that respect.

"I walked out of Byron's Rest on Saturday walking up to come to work and open up and I actually cried, I'm not ashamed to say that. I'm proud to say what we've achieved. It's not about how many people come into your pub, put a pound in your till or how many people share your stuff on Facebook, for me I feel like I've made a difference just with that one incident."

Following the success of the inaugural event, Mr O'Connor confirmed that the event will happen again next year.

He added: "We've got plans in the pipeline for next year; next year is definitely happening. There were people that were apprehensive about how it was being run obviously what our motive was but I think people now know with the backstory of where it's come from why it was so important that we had it.

"And running it over three days that's something I've never known happen at a 'typical pride' but it worked really well for people to support the town, support the event but also support the businesses that were helping to fund and run it so venue hopping or pub crawling between the venues taking part. Whereas if it's a typical pride let's say in an open field or park you're somewhat taking away from the local businesses to attract a market elsewhere."

Details of the event will be announced in due course.

For more information about Hucknall Pride click here.