Over the moon and still coming down to earth – that’s how the chairman of Thanet Pride, Kevin Grice, described his feelings after the event on Saturday was voted a huge success.

Locals and visitors from as far afield as Glasgow, Birmingham and Brighton mingled happily in the sun on Margate seafront, and were entertained by a full programme of tribute acts and drag artists.

The aim of the day was to celebrate diversity in the community – and it certainly did that.

Exotically dressed revellers mixed happily with family groups, and young and old mingled and enjoyed the party mood.

“The feedback I’ve had so far is fabulous,” said Kevin.

“We always wanted this to be an occasion when the whole community, not just the gay community, could come together and have a good time, and that’s exactly what happened on Saturday.

“There was no trouble and all the work we did planning the day paid off.
“Paul Rollins, owner of Sundowners bar, put all the entertainment on stage together and suggested the Icons and Legends theme.”

Acts included tributes to Freddie Mercury, Lady GaGa, Abba, Karen Carpenter and George Michael.

Now that the big day has been notched up as a success, the serious job of securing funding and sponsorship for next year’s event begins.

“I’ll have a day or two to recover, and then I’ll be working on finding sponsors,” said Kevin.

“I have a vision of how Margate could be in a few years, with the Turner Contemporary open, a heritage theme park at Dreamland up and running and Thanet Pride a two-day event with big name acts.

“I’m hoping that local businesses will get behind us now that they’ve seen that Thanet Pride is very beneficial to the town – as well as being huge fun.

"We would like to thank all of our sponsors including Margate Charter Trustees, Thanet District Council, Thanet Leisureforce, Kent County Council, Sundowners Bar, Brief Encounters, The Co-operative Community Fund, Back Stage Fancy Dress and our partnership with the KM Group.

"Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the committee whom without, Thanet Pride would never take place. They are all volunteers who offer their time and energies throughout the year in the planning of the event.

"Also I thank the stewards and St. John’s, NHS and other information groups, who give their day willingly, whilst everyone else is enjoying the show.

"Although the public services including the Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Service may be expected, without their continual support in the planning and management, our job would be impossible.

"Ultimately my thanks go to the community who have taken us into their hearts and whom I hope we can always continue to please."

The Thanet Extra was media partner for Thanet Pride.